THE Queen has accepted the nomination for the next Dean of York who has “a wealth of experience” to bring to the region, Downing Street has announced.

The Suffragan Bishop of Southampton, Dr Jonathan Frost, spent his day yesterday at York Minster to meet with the Chapter, staff, volunteers and visitors following his acceptance of the role on Monday.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, said: “Jonathan brings with him a wealth of experience as a Pastor and Leader in mission – in parish, school, chaplaincy and cathedral.

“He will lead the Cathedral and Metropolitical Church of St Peter in York, in its mission to serve God in worship, witness and service across the Diocese and Province of York.

“We warmly welcome Bishop Jonathan and his family as they move from the Diocese of Winchester to be with us here in York.”

Dr Frost, the Dean designate, is a father-of-three who has been the Suffragan Bishop of Southampton since 2010. Over the last eight years, the 54-year-old has served the Diocese of Winchester with an emphases on Christian unity and mission; contemplative prayer, evangelism and discipleship, inter-faith relations and action for social justice.

Dr Frost said: “I am delighted and honoured to have been invited to take up the role of Dean of York.

“I look forward to serving the Minster community, the Diocese of York and the Northern Province as together we seek to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to reflect the radiant goodness of Jesus Christ.

“May I ask for your prayers for me, for my wife Christine and for our family as we move to York.”

The installation of the Dean designate will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at York Minster.

Right Worshipful Peter Collier QC, chair of the Nomination Panel for the Dean of York, said: “[Jonathan] is a person whose life is deeply rooted in prayer, he has a passion for mission and as a bishop he is someone who is recognised as being a focus of unity.”