THE BISHOP of Southampton will become the next Dean of York.

Downing Street has announced today, that her Majesty the Queen has accepted the nomination of the Right Reverend Dr Jonathan Frost, the Suffragan Bishop of Southampton, as the next Dean of York.

It is currently unknown who will take over his post as the Bishop of Southampton, but further details on the process of a new appointment will be announced in due course.

Bishop Jonathan said: "I am delighted and honoured to have been invited to take up the role of Dean of York and look forward to serving the Minster community, the Diocese of York and the Northern Province.

"At this time I am holding together a sense of God’s calling with a deep sense of sadness at leaving dear friends in the communities of the Diocese. I have learned more than I can say from the faithful example of you all, as we have sought the Kingdom and proclaimed the radiant beauty of Jesus Christ together.

"Be assured of my continuing prayers for all of you. Please do pray for Christine, Hannah, Ben and Jake in our transitions."

The Right Reverend Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester, said: “Jonathan’s contribution to Southampton and the wider community throughout the Diocese of Winchester here has been exceptional. I have been grateful for his wise counsel and good-humoured support over the last few years.

“We will all be very sorry to see Jonathan go, and I know he will be especially missed by the community in the city of Southampton. But I am filled with hope and encouragement for the future of York Minster, which I am sure will thrive with the help of Jonathan’s judicious and prayerful stewardship.

“I wish Jonathan every success as he prepares to move to York, and I want to thank him on behalf of the whole Diocese of Winchester for everything he has done during his eight fruitful years with us.”

Bishop Jonathan has served as Anglican Chaplain to the University of Surrey and Canon Residentiary of Guildford Cathedral. In 2007 he became co-ordinating Chaplain at the University and was appointed he Bishop of Guildford's advisor for inter-faith relations.

He was consecrated Bishop in the Church of God to serve as the Suffragan Bishop of Southampton and installed as Canon at Winchester Cathedral in 2010.

He is a Benedictine Oblate and follows a Rule of Life.