Diocese of Europe announces new Dean of Gibraltar

A parish priest with wide experience of ministry in the armed forces, in education and in parish ministry has been appointed as the next Dean of Gibraltar.

Dr John Paddock, 57, is currently Vicar of St Georges, Tuffley with St Margaret's, Whaddon in Gloucestershire and hopes to take up his new post in mid December.

Dr Paddock already has experience of serving as a priest in the Diocese in Europe, having previously been Assistant Chaplain in Madrid. His degree and research were in Hispanic Studies; he is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese and speaks a number of other languages including Russian and Greek. He also holds the higher degree of Master of Laws from Cardiff.

He will come to the Anglican Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity which is both a parish church and the mother church of the Diocese in Europe during a major appeal to raise £850,000 to replace the roof, build an enhanced entrance onto the Cathedral Square to improve access for both churchgoers and tourists and to fund a number of other necessary conservation and restoration measures.

Dr Paddock said, "The Cathedral is an important part of the very distinguished history of Gibraltar, and, indeed a focus for the modern daily life of the vast Diocese of Europe.

"We all therefore have cause to be grateful to all those who have gone before us in faithfully and lovingly preserving and transmitting to us this "jewel in the crown" of Gibraltar's history and heritage, and we too share the same privileged responsibility of handing on this important building in good order and condition to the generations yet to come."

Dr Paddock hopes his experience as a chaplain in the RAF will also be helpful to his new work in Gibraltar which still has importance as a military base and where there are strong links with British forces.

He says of the work of the Dean "I am looking forward to contributing to the spiritual life of the community among all people, so that every life and talent is appreciated, valued and celebrated to the glory of God. We all have a great deal to offer to enrich and enhance the daily life of every member of our community.

At his Installation on Tuesday 16 December 2008 the Bishop of Gibraltar in Europe, Dr Geoffrey Rowell, will formally introduce Dr Paddock to the Cathedral, Gibraltar and representatives of the wider church around Europe.