The Revd Canon Dianna Gwilliams is to be appointed as the new Dean of Guildford.
Dianna is currently vicar of St Barnabas Church, Dulwich, in south-east London, foundation chaplain of Alleyn’s College of God’s Gift, Dulwich and, until recently, acting Archdeacon of Southwark.
With her appointment, Dianna will become one of the most senior female priests in the Church of England - when she is installed on September 15 - joining four other women who have already been appointed to the post.
Dianna said: “I feel hugely privileged to have been invited to serve as the next Dean of Guildford. I’m really looking forward to joining the Chapter, congregation and Cathedral Council as we participate enthusiastically in the part of the mission of God with which we are entrusted; and to working closely with the team in Guildford to support the mission of God in the parishes and chaplaincies in the diocese.
Dianna was born in Colorado, USA and grew up in California. She read physics and chemistry at university and came to the UK to work as a sound engineer for just six months. Thirty five years later she is still here. Following twelve years as an engineer she was ordained deacon in 1992 and priest in 1994 in Southwark Diocese. She has also been an Honorary Canon of Southwark Cathedral since 2006 and has served as area dean and as diocesan Dean of Women’s Ministry.
(from “Grapevine” Diocesan Publication, May issue)
