Dean of Coventry to retire after 13 years
The Very Reverend John Witcombe has served 42 years in ordained ministry.
The Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry has announced that he is to retire on May 31st 2026, after 13 years in the role.
Dean John has held the position since January 2013, and will have served 42 years in ordained ministry.
During John’s tenure as Dean of Coventry, he expanded the arts and events programme and removed the Cathedral admission charge.
He has celebrated many joyful occasions, not least the return of Coventry City FC to the Ricoh Stadium and the honouring of Jimmy Hill’s legacy with the largest gathering in the Cathedral since its consecration.
Other significant achievements include hosting multiple large-scale events during UK City of Culture 2021, leading the international Community of the Cross of Nails peacebuilding network as it grew to nearly 300 churches, schools, and organisations worldwide, and establishing the Investors in Hope initiative, which has raised over £500,000 to support the Cathedral’s mission and launch a long-term endowment programme.
He was also awarded Honorary Doctorates by both Warwick and Coventry Universities.
John said, “I have loved my time as Dean of Coventry. Leading this remarkable community, with its local, national and international reach has been without doubt my most fulfilling time in over forty years of ordained ministry.”
“I will treasure the many relationships I have made here in Coventry and across the world, and hope that we will continue to journey together in our shared calling to reconciliation, bringing together the gospel and the arts in a glorious and diverse community.”
“I am confident that our wonderful team, together with Bishop Sophie, will continue to fulfil this world changing vocation, to the glory of God and the growth of God’s Kingdom.”