The Dean of Southwark will retire in 2023 after 24 years at the cathedral.
Andrew Nunn said it had been “an enormous privilege” to serve the people of God over his time at Southwark Cathedral.
The dean of a Church of England cathedral serves underneath the bishop, and is the most senior priest living there permanently.
In his retirement letter to Bishop of Southwark Christopher Chessun, the Dean said: “There is a great deal I can do in a year. Be assured, I won’t coast towards retirement. It will be heart-breaking leaving but the time is right and I am sure you will find somebody wonderful to serve this wonderful community.”
Very Revd Nunn has been Dean or acting Dean since 2010. He came to the Cathedral in September 1999 as Sub Dean and Precentor and so will have served the Cathedral for 24 years when he stands down on July 4 2023.
Bishop Christopher said: “The Dean of Southwark is much loved. He has brought his considerable gifts to the service of the Cathedral and wider Church with priestly devotion, humour, and a passion for generous and including orthodoxy.
“As Dean he has built a hospitable and engaged community of prayer at the Cathedral, and as senior priest of the Diocese he has engaged with different civic bodies in a way that has earned their respect and ensured that the Church of England is seen as a credible partner in different walks of life.
“Andrew will be greatly missed by colleagues in the Cathedral, the Diocese of Southwark and on General Synod. I have accepted his notice to retire with a sad heart, but Andrew is assured of my prayers and thanks for all that he has done and will continue to do over the coming year until his retirement.”
Southwark Cathedral is between London Bridge and Borough Market.