16/06/2023
Dr Plyming has been Warden of Cranmer Hall, the theological college within St John’s College, Durham, since 2017.
Commenting on his appointment, Philip said: “I thank God for the honour of being appointed to be the next Dean of Durham. Since I first worshipped and prayed in the Cathedral when I was a student at Durham University, I have known it to be an incredibly special place where people are impressed by the beauty of the building and invited to encounter the living God.
“Inspired by the Christ-like example of St Cuthbert and the Northern saints, I look forward to leading the Cathedral’s life and mission in the years to come, so that in its worship and hospitality it continues to be a place of prayer, pilgrimage and proclamation. I also look forward to working with all the Chapter, staff and volunteers as together we live out the Cathedral’s historic vocation.”
Welcoming Philip as the next Dean, the Bishop of Durham, the Rt Rev Paul Butler said: “I am delighted that Dr Philip Plyming is to be the new Dean of Durham. Philip brings pastoral, theological, leadership and missional gifts and experience to the role. Clearly he knows and loves the Cathedral and the Diocese very well already. I am excited at the leadership Philip will bring as the Cathedral moves forward in its mission and ministry, especially in relation to younger people and those on the margins of society.”
Philip is married to Annabelle, who works as a palliative care consultant for a local NHS Trust, and they have two teenage sons. He enjoys speaking languages, travelling by train and watching cricket.
He succeeds the Very Rev Andrew Tremlett, who was appointed Dean of St Paul’s last year.
An installation service for Philip to formally become Dean will take place at Durham Cathedral on September.16.
The full press release can be read on the Durham Cathedral website.