It’s been announced that the Revd Canon Guy Bridgewater, who’s currently based in Horsham, Sussex is to be the new Rector of Bath Abbey, starting at the end of this year.
Canon Bridgewater is currently Team Rector and Rural Dean of Horsham, a role which he has held for eleven years.
He was ordained in the Diocese of Salisbury in 1987 and has since served the church in many different ways.
Prior to Horsham, he was Diocesan Missioner and Residentiary Canon in the Diocese of Gloucester. He has also held posts in Dorset, at Lee Abbey in Devon, and as Vicar of Cranbrook in Kent.
The exact date of his licensing and induction is yet to be confirmed but it is expected to be in November.
Commenting on his appointment, Canon Bridgewater said: “What an overwhelming privilege it is, to be asked to join the wonderful team at Bath Abbey.
“Serving the heart of the City in worship and hospitality and justice, seeking to be “A People and Place Fully Alive” with the glory of God … to be a small part of that noble Abbey vision is the greatest honour I can imagine.
“My wife, Jebs, and I are thrilled by the invitation, and we look forward enormously to the challenges and joys of ministry in this great City”
James Playfair, one of Bath Abbey’s Churchwardens, who was involved in the appointment of the new Rector, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Guy at a particularly exciting time in the Abbey’s history.
“Not only are we engaging with nearly half a million worshippers and visitors per year, we have just started work on our innovative Footprint project which will transform the Abbey and improve how we serve our congregations, the local communities and visitors.
“The Abbey needs the best leadership at this crucial time, and we are fortunate to have been able to appoint Guy. He will bring vision and leadership, and has the relevant skills and experience that we prayed for within our community.”