THE new Archdeacon of Surrey has been announced as the Venerable Paul Davies.

Paul, 44, is currently serving as the Archdeacon of Bangor in Wales, and is set to take up his new role as one of the most senior clergy in the diocese in December.

He is married to Louise, a town planner, and they have two school-aged children, Gwilym and Llinos.

The Diocese of Guildford has two Archdeacons, who are senior clergy with a key role of pastoral care for the 200-plus clergy in the diocese, helping to enable strategy at a local level, overseeing the care of church buildings and assisting churches in vacancy.

Paul was ordained in 1997, having trained at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, and served his title as Minor Canon of St David’s Cathedral. This was followed by successive incumbencies at Solva in rural Pembrokeshire and Burry Port in post-industrial Carmarthenshire.

During these years he was also ecumenical officer and director of ordinands for the Diocese of St David’s. He has been the Archdeacon of Bangor since 2012, serving the area of north Wales which includes Snowdonia and Anglesey.

In his spare time, Paul enjoys being a dad to two busy children, woodwork, singing and all things nautical – a keen sailor with experience as a member of a lifeboat crew.

At the time of his appointment as Archdeacon of Bangor in 2012, at 38, he was the youngest Archdeacon in the UK.

Speaking on his appointment, Paul said: “I am humbled, excited and daunted to be appointed as the next Archdeacon of Surrey. I am greatly inspired by the Gospel vision, Transforming Church, Transforming Lives, and very much look forward to both celebrating and learning from God and his people in the Diocese of Guildford. 

“I’m also pleased to have the opportunity to give something back to the county of Surrey for the gift of my wife, who is a Surrey girl!”

Making the announcement, the Bishop of Guildford, Andrew Watson said: “I am delighted that Paul has taken up our offer. He has a warm heart and a strategic head, and will make a great contribution to the life of the parishes and chaplaincies as we work together towards a Transforming Church, Transforming Lives.”

The Bishop of Bangor, Andrew John, said  “Paul will be a huge asset to the team in Guildford. He brings energy and wisdom with the deepest commitment to God and to the Church. He will win people through his commitment to them and I wish him, Louise, Gwilym and Llinos every happiness in their new home”.

The Diocese of Guildford has two archdeaconries, Surrey and Dorking, with around 80 parishes in each. The Archdeaconry of Surrey is the western portion of the Diocese of Guildford.

Paul Davies succeeds the Venerable Stuart Beake as Archdeacon of Surrey, who retired in September. He will be installed and welcomed as Archdeacon in Guildford Cathedral, with details of this event to be published in due course.