26/07/2023
The Ven Paul Davies, currently Archdeacon of Surrey, is to be the next Bishop of Dorking, Downing Street has announced today.
Ven Paul has served as Archdeacon of Surrey, responsible for the pastoral care and wellbeing of over 150 clergy, since 2017, and is a member of the Bishop of Guildford’s leadership team.
Originally from Pembrokeshire, Ven Paul read theology at the Universities of Wales and Oxford.
Following his training at Ripon College Cuddesdon, he returned to Pembrokeshire to be ordained in 1997 at St David’s Cathedral where he began his ministry.
Paul is married to Louise, a town planner, and they have a son and a daughter.
He said: “Whilst I am slightly daunted by the responsibility to be entrusted to me, my heart is full of joy at the prospect of continuing to serve a diocese and people I have grown to love.
“For the past six years, I have been constantly inspired by the faith, hope and love that pours out of our churches, schools and chaplaincies in the work of transforming lives.
“I feel immensely blessed to have been called to serve alongside Bishop Andrew in leading and caring for this diocese and, with the help of God, will do that to the very best of my ability.”
The full press release can be found on the Diocese of Guildford website.