The King has approved the appointment of the Reverend Canon Toby Wright as the next Dean of Wells.
He will join the Diocese of Bath and Wells from the Diocese of Oxford, where he is currently Team Rector of Witney.
He succeeds the Very Reverend Dr John Davies.
Toby was educated at New College, Oxford, and trained for ministry at the College of the Resurrection, Mirfield.
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He served his title at St Peter with St Mary, Petersfield, in the Diocese of Portsmouth and in 2002 he was ordained priest.
He served in Peckham and Camberwell in London before taking up his current role in Witney in 2013.
He is also Warden of the Sisters of the Community of Saint Mary the Virgin in Wantage.
Toby said: "There is never a right time to move on in ministry, as it is always a heartfelt wrench. However, we do feel that now is a good time to make a leap into the unknown of new ministries and God’s call feels strong.
"Sally and I - and Caspar and Felicity - will always be grateful beyond words for the amazing times we have shared with you here and all you have taught us.
"I was asked by the Archbishops’ Appointments team to consider becoming the Dean of Wells, and it has felt so right during the long and challenging process of exploration.
"I am very clear that I have only got this new job because of the ways I have been shaped and formed by living alongside you in this community of mercy and kindness, and through other wisdom I have gained within and beyond the diocese.
"Please know you will remain on our hearts and in our prayers, and I hope you will pray for us too in this time of flux and transition, and beyond."
The Right Reverend Michael Beasley, Bishop of Bath and Wells said: "The many gifts Toby brings will add wonderfully to all that is already happening through the contributions of so many different people."
St Mary's parish wardens greeted the announcement with "mixed emotions".
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In a post on Facebook they wrote: "We are delighted that Toby’s many gifts and talents have been recognised, and that both he and Sally will be able to develop their respective ministries because of this important appointment within the Church.
"However, we are extremely sad that the Benefice will be losing both Toby and Sally, and Caspar and Felicity, not least because of the immensely positive impact that they have all had on so many of us across the Benefice and within the town and villages."
Toby's installation as new Dean of Wells will be on Sunday June 16 at 3pm, and he and his wife Sally will bid farewell to the Benefice of Witney on April 28 at a final Sunday service in St Mary’s at 10.45am.
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