The Reverend Canon Timothy Dakin is to be consecrated bishop in a service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury at St Paul’s Cathedral.

On the 25th of January Canon Tim Dakin will be formally ordained a bishop, prior to being enthroned in Winchester Cathedral and welcomed as the 97th Bishop of Winchester in April.

Canon Tim is moving to Winchester from Berkshire with his wife Sally – a midwife and also an associate priest – and their two children Anna (21) and Johnny (16). For the last twelve years, Canon Tim was the General Secretary of the Church Mission Society.

"Great Opportunity"

Canon Tim is joining the diocese at a time of great opportunity for growth and development. His skills, demonstrated through his time at Church Mission Society, mean that he is ideally suited to leading the Diocese of Winchester over the coming years.

Canon Tim’s contribution as a theologian, especially in the area of mission, has been widely recognised. This will enable him to help the Diocese to engage more effectively with the communities, parishes and people served by the Diocese.

As 2012 began, Canon Tim has spoken of his desire for the Diocese of Winchester to "live the mission of Jesus." In the following extract, he talks about his sense of calling to Winchester: