The new Dean of Winchester, The Very Revd Chris Palmer, was installed at the Cathedral on Sunday.
Installation of new Dean of Winchester
The installation service, a special occasion in the life of the Cathedral and the Diocese, was presided over by the Bishop of Winchester, The Right Revd Philip Mounstephen. Dean Chris himself preached at the service.
Dean Chris joins Winchester from Exeter Cathedral where he has been since 2018, first as Canon Chancellor, and then as Canon Treasurer since 2022. He has also been widely involved in the life of the City of Exeter and the Diocese, where he found time to make good use of his passion for theological education in the teaching of clergy and ordinands.
Reflecting on this significant moment, Dean Chris said:
“I am delighted and humbled to be entrusted with the role of Dean of Winchester. I greatly look forward to getting to know the cathedral community, diocese, and wider society. Winchester Cathedral has the privilege of being a place that holds the hopes and aspirations of many people, and to celebrate these through its worship, welcome, and witness to Christ, and I am excited to play a part in this work. Please pray for me as I prepare for my forthcoming ministry.”
The Rt Rev Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester said:
‘I am delighted that Canon Chris is joining us in Winchester as our new Dean. He brings a wealth of experience in both senior Cathedral leadership and parish ministry, as well as a deep and lively faith in Jesus Christ. I am very much enjoying welcoming him and Olivia to Winchester as the Cathedral begins an exciting new chapter in mission and ministry under his leadership.”
For those who were unable to join in person, the service is available via the Cathedral’s YouTube channel here.
Chris was educated at University of Oxford and trained for ministry at St Stephen’s House, Oxford. He served his title at All Saints, Emscote, in the Diocese of Coventry, and was ordained Priest in 1999. He served as Team Vicar of All Saints, East Sheen, in the Diocese of Southwark and, from 2005, was also the Area Dean of Richmond and Barnes.
In 2010, Chris was appointed Team Rector of Merton Priory. From 2018 Chris served as Canon Chancellor of Exeter Cathedral and he took up his current role as Canon Treasurer in 2022.
