THE new archdeacon for Surrey, The Ven Paul Davies, has been installed and welcomed to the Diocese of Guildford at a service in Guildford Cathedral.

A former Archdeacon in the Church in Wales, representatives from Bangor braved heavy snow in North Wales to be at the service in north Wales to make the journey.

The Bishop of Guildford, The Rt Rev Andrew Watson, encouraged the new archdeacon to follow in the footsteps of the Prophet Micaiah, and be a “optimistic realist” as he begins his ministry.

The Diocese of Guildford has two archdeacons, who are senior clergy with a key role of pastoral care. The Archdeacon of Surrey is an ancient role. which dates back to the early part of the second millennium, when the Diocese of Guildford was part of a larger Diocese of Winchester.

Mr Davies was ordained in 1997, having trained at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, and served his title curacy as Minor Canon of St David’s Cathedral. This was followed by successive incumbencies at Solva in Pembrokeshire and Burry Port in Carmarthenshire.He has been the Archdeacon of Bangor since 2012.

“I am humbled, excited and daunted to be appointed as the next Archdeacon of Surrey,” he said. “I am greatly inspired by the Gospel vision, Transforming Church, Transforming Lives, and very much look forward to both celebrating and learning from God and his people in the Diocese of Guildford.

“I’m also pleased to have the opportunity to give something back to the county of Surrey for the gift of my wife, who is a Surrey girl.”

The Bishop of Guildford said: “I am delighted that Paul is joining the Diocese of Guildford. He has a warm heart and a strategic head, and will make a great contribution to the life of the parishes and chaplaincies as we work together towards a Transforming Church, Transforming Lives.”

The Diocese of Guildford’s archdeaconries are Surrey and Dorking, with around 80 parishes in each. The Archdeaconry of Surrey is the western portion of the Diocese of Guildford. Paul Davies succeeds the Venerable Stuart Beake as Archdeacon of Surrey, who retired in September.