The Rt Revd June Osborne, Bishop of Llandaff, has announced on Tuesday 20 September that the Revd Richard Peers, Sub-Dean of Christ Church Cathedral Oxford, is to become Dean of Llandaff Cathedral in Wales.
Father Richard joined Christ Church as Sub-Dean and residentiary Canon at the height of the COVID pandemic and during an extended period of instability at the joint foundation. Despite significant difficulties, he worked tirelessly to promote the good work of Christ Church and contributed significantly to the life of the Diocese of Oxford.
Speaking on news of the appointment, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, Bishop of Oxford, said;
“We are thankful and appreciative of Richard’s ministry during a tumultuous period in the life of Christ Church. He has given generously of his time and energy throughout and will be much missed here in Oxford."
Bishop Steven continued; "Richard goes to his new ministry in the Church in Wales with our prayers and warm commendation.”
Fr Richard said;
“Christ Church is a unique and wonderful institution. It has been an immense privilege to minister as Sub-Dean, accompanied by such a strong and able group of people. Christ Church will be very much in my thoughts and prayers as it conducts the governance review and fulfils its vocation as a joint foundation in the university and in the diocese."
"I am profoundly grateful to Bishop Steven, the college academic staff and to all who have provided support and care in my ministry here.”
Fr Richard will be installed as the 21st Dean of Llandaff at a special service to take place at Llandaff Cathedral at 3pm on Sunday 20 November. His final service as Sub-Dean will take place at Christ Church on 13 November.
Further notes for editors
- Fr Richard, 57, lives with his partner Jim and their dog, Teilo. Prior to taking up the position of Sub-Dean at Christ Church, Oxford in September 2020, Fr Richard was Director of Education for the Diocese of Liverpool and CEO of Liverpool Diocesan Schools Trust;
- Fr Richard trained and worked as a teacher before being ordained in 1993 and has exercised a combined ministry in teaching and as a priest for much of the time since. Prior to Oxford, he previously served in parishes in the Dioceses of York, Portsmouth, Lichfield and Southwark;
- Llandaff Cathedral stands on one of the oldest Christian sites in the British Isles; worship and prayer have been offered there since the middle of the sixth century. It is one of the most ancient sacred sites of Wales and is also a modern, worshipping community. Find out more at llandaffcathedral.org.uk;
- See also: Statement from the Bishop of Llandaff;
- Statement from Christ Church Cathedral;
- For media enquiries, please visit oxford.anglican.org/media-centre.