The Very Reverend John Witcombe, Dean of Coventry has announced that he is to retire on May 31st 2026.
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, his commitment to reconciliation, accessibility and inclusion has seen thousands of new visitors welcomed through the doors. The expansion of the arts and events programme, together with the removal of the cathedral admission charge and a vibrant, diverse calendar, has helped to build a community that reflects the whole city.
Dean John 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 delighted to be awarded Honorary Doctorates by both Warwick and Coventry Universities.
The cathedral has hosted many significant gatherings for prayer and worship with partners across the city and diocese. Most recently, John welcomed the new Bishop, Sophie Jelley, whose passion for the gospel and heart for reconciliation have brought fresh energy and purpose to the partnership between diocese and cathedral. John looks forward to sharing in ministry with Bishop Sophie throughout the remainder of her first year as Diocesan Bishop, alongside other valued colleagues in the cathedral and diocese.
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.”
Bishop Sophie said,
“It has been my pleasure to get to know Dean John during the process of my appointment as the new Bishop of Coventry. He has been a dedicated servant of our uniquely precious Cathedral for the past 12 years. I have been inspired by his passion for the ministry of reconciliation which has led to the formation of so many rich partnerships across the world, as well as more locally. He has also formed a great team at the cathedral in whom I have every confidence.
Please join me in praying for John and his family over the coming months and especially as we begin the process for appointing his successor.”
By making this announcement at Michaelmas, the Cathedral’s Patronal Festival, John wants to allow sufficient notice to allow the process towards a new appointment move forward as smoothly as possible – and to do so at a festival when we celebrate all that God is doing amongst us. He will be able to share fully in the Cathedral’s celebration of the seasons of Christmas, Lent and Easter, before his final Sunday, May 17th 2026, the Sunday after Ascension.