2 February 2026
The Bishop of Chelmsford, the Rt Rev'd Dr Guli Francis-Dehqani, has announced that the next Area Dean of Witham will be the Rev'd Dr Jonathan Pritchard.
Jonathan is Team Rector for the Witham and the Villages group of churches, where he has served since 2021. He is also an elected clergy member of the Chelmsford Diocesan Synod, representing the Witham Deanery.
Commenting on Jonathan’s appointment, Bishop Guli said:
“Our Area Deans play a key role in the life of our diocese, providing support to our parishes and worshipping communities, and working closely with their Archdeacon and Area Bishop. I am delighted that Jonathan has agreed to serve as the next Area Dean of Witham. He brings considerable skill and experience and has a heart for mission; I am very grateful to him for taking on this role. I would also like to express my thanks to his predecessor, the Rev'd Simon Garwood, for all he has contributed during his time as Area Dean.”
The Witham Deanery is in the Colchester Episcopal Area and the Bishop of Colchester, the Rt Rev'd Roger Morris said:
“The parishes and worshipping communities of the Witham Deanery will be greatly blessed by having Jonathan as their new Area Dean. I am thrilled that he has accepted this appointment alongside his parish ministry. My colleagues in the Colchester Area Team and I look forward to working with him. He will bring huge enthusiasm and a natural effervescence to the role. I also know many will join me in giving heartfelt thanks for Rev'd Canon Simon Garwood's wise and Godly service as the previous Area Dean. We have benefitted greatly from his warmth and good humour and from his vast experience of ministry.”
Commenting on his appointment, Jonathan added:
“Witham is a great Deanery to serve in and the Rev'd Simon Garwood is a tough act to follow. I welcome your prayers and love as I take up this new role.
“Our Deanery stretches from Witham through to the edge of Colchester and Mersea Island. It includes lovely villages, ancient churches, growing towns, and farmland and the challenge of the Gospel in these places and at this time.
“I look forward to working with all who make up our common life as a Deanery. And juggling this with being Team Rector of Witham. May the love of God flourish here in all our parishes. And may our Deanery support them in this mission.”
Jonathan will be commissioned as Area Dean of Witham at the end of February.
