Mar '13 New Dean of Bradford

3/3/13

NEW DEAN OF BRADFORD

A Nottingham priest is to be the new Dean of Bradford. The Revd Canon Jerry Lepine is currently Rector of St Leonard’s, Wollaton in the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham where he has been since 2002.

The Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, says, "I'm delighted at the appointment of the Revd Canon Jerry Lepine to be the new Dean of Bradford. We need someone to fill the gap left behind by Dr David Ison, now Dean of St Paul's, London, and Jerry fits the bill. He brings many gifts and vast experience. At a time of challenge and potential change, he is a man who will spot the opportunities. I look forward to welcoming Jerry and his wife, Christine, in the summer".

Jerry says, "The Diocese of Bradford is clearly at a very significant ‘change’ moment in its life and I look forward to working with Bishop Nick, the Cathedral and Senior Staff team as we look to discern that future. Essentially I'm a parish priest, a spiritual explorer in the way of Christ and a team player who likes doing the big picture, so the prospect of leading the Cathedral and its flourishing congregation as it continues to develop its presence in the City and Metropolitan District is both a privilege and a challenge. Christine and I very much look forward to settling in in the summer, and particularly to experiencing that warm welcome for which the people of Bradford are renowned".
 
Jerry is also a Canon of Southwell Minster and Area Dean of Nottingham North - an area with high levels of child poverty and adults without qualifications. Jerry says, "Part of my role has been to nurture a future strategy that will address the challenges of church growth and social disadvantage".
 
The Acting Dean of Bradford, the Revd Canon Andy Williams, says, "We await Jerry's arrival in July with real excitement; confident that both personally and professionally he brings what is needed for the next stage of our life and mission here in the heart of Bradford. Our prayers and best wishes are with him and Christine as they make the transition."
 
Before going to Nottingham, Jerry was Diocesan Evangelism Adviser in the Diocese of Southwark working across South London and North East Surrey. He trained for ordination at St John’s theological College in Nottingham, after gaining a degree in Business, and served his curacy in Harrow, London. He then became Team Vicar in Horley, next to Gatwick Airport.
 
Jerry and Christine have two adult children - Hannah and Jared - who live in London. In terms of his recreational time, he says, "I enjoy the arts and have a love for the cinema, art galleries and theatre and listen to a wide variety of music. I have a lifelong passion for cricket, football and rugby and can talk for ever about certain teams! I also have an enthusiasm for growing seeds - and giving the plants away.

"Over the last few years I have found myself increasingly drawn towards the wisdom of the Benedictine tradition and have found in the Community of the Holy Cross in Rostrevor, Co Down a real source of spiritual renewal."
 
A civic reception to welcome the new Dean will be held in Bradford on Monday 4 March. He will be installed as Dean on Sunday 14 July at 4pm in Bradford Cathedral .

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