New Dean Announced at Winchester Cathedral

The Revd Canon Chris Palmer, currently Canon Treasurer at Exeter Cathedral, is to become Dean of Winchester.

New Dean Announced at Winchester Cathedral

Joining Exeter Cathedral in 2018 as Canon Chancellor, the Revd Canon Chris Palmer was responsible for Pastoral Care and Mission and Christian Nurture and Education before becoming the cathedral’s Canon Treasurer, taking responsibility on behalf of Chapter for the cathedral building and its development.

He has also been widely involved in the life of the City of Exeter and the Diocese, and has found time to make good use of his passion for Theological Education in the teaching of clergy and ordinands.

The Bishop of Winchester, The Right Revd Philip Mounstephen, said,

“I’m delighted that Canon Chris Palmer has accepted the nomination to be the next Dean of Winchester. He brings great experience of cathedral and parish ministry, sharp intelligence, a ready wit and deep faith. We look forward very much to welcoming him and Olivia here amongst us.”

The Revd Canon Dr Roland Riem Interim Dean of Winchester Cathedral said:

“In Advent, a season of hope, the Cathedral Chapter is thrilled to anticipate the arrival of Canon Chris Palmer as Dean of Winchester, and also to welcome Olivia. Chris’s commitment to the Bible, spirituality, historic fabric, and to families will be very welcome as we continue to develop the mission and ministry of this Cathedral.”

Revd Canon Chris Palmer said:

“I am really delighted to have been appointed as the next Dean of Winchester. Having served as Canon Chancellor and then Canon Treasurer at Exeter over the last seven years, I have grown to love cathedral life, and I relish the many opportunities for encounter that cathedrals offer. I trust that this has equipped me for this next ministry. It’s been wonderful to meet Bishop Philip and members of the Cathedral Chapter and senior leaders during the discernment process, and I’m excited to get to know the many others who contribute to the cathedral’s vitality and welcome. Please pray for me as I prepare to move to Winchester next year.”

On behalf of Exeter Cathedral, the Very Revd Jonathan Greener, the Dean of Exeter, said,

“What a great role for Chris to be moving to. He’s done marvellous things for us here at Exeter Cathedral, not least in leading on our recent major building works, and we were well aware that at some point the wider Church would find out about him and want to make use of his wide-ranging talents and extraordinary energy.  Winchester will be very blessed to have him. We shall all miss him hugely, but he and Olivia go with our love and our prayers and deep gratitude.”

Chris will be installed as the new Dean at Winchester Cathedral on 15 March 2026.