The Diocese of Oxford is pleased to announce that the Revd Canon David Tyler has been appointed as the new Archdeacon of Dorchester.
Hear David's story on the latest episode of Bishop Steven's podcast My (extraordinary) Family.
David has been Acting Archdeacon for Dorchester, following the retirement of Archdeacon Judy in October 2022, and served as Associate Archdeacon of Dorchester for two years prior to this. David has ministered in the diocese for over 15 years as a parish priest and area dean from which he brings a wealth of experience.
As Archdeacon of Dorchester, David will work with the Bishop of Dorchester to support and encourage clergy in their mission and ministry, and guide and advise parishes in sharing the common vision of the diocese to be a more Christ-like Church for the sake of God’s world. David will swear oaths of allegiance and be installed as archdeacon during a service to take place at Christ Church Cathedral in the coming months.
Speaking on his appointment, the Revd Canon David Tyler said:
“I am delighted to have been offered the position of Archdeacon of Dorchester. It has been a joy to minister across this large and diverse archdeaconry over the past two years and support the rebuilding of a post-covid church.
“Churches are at the centre of our communities in society, particularly in the many rural communities in Oxfordshire. They bring people together and offer support for those in need through social action projects, such as food banks and help for refugees. I look forward to continuing this work with churches, schools, chaplaincies across the Dorchester area and aiding the various ministries sharing the good news and love of Jesus in our communities.”
The Bishop of Dorchester, the Rt Revd Gavin Collins, said:
“It is a pleasure to welcome David to this position of Archdeacon, he has demonstrated a commitment and suitability for the role whilst he has been Acting Archdeacon over the past few months. I am looking forward to our ongoing work and ministry together across the Dorchester archdeaconry and building on our commitment to be a more Christ-like church.”
The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, said:
“David’s appointment will be widely welcomed across the Archdeaconry. He has grown into this role in his ministry as incumbent, Area Dean, Assistant Archdeacon and Acting Archdeacon and already holds the confidence of parishes and clergy and his senior colleagues. He has demonstrated the capacity to engage widely in the community as well as in the Church and is a natural bridgebuilder. I am delighted to welcome David to the senior team in the diocese and to this vital role”.
About the Revd Canon David Tyler
David has been ministering in the Diocese of Oxford for 15 years, and served in parish roles in Hanborough and Woodstock, and was Area Dean of Woodstock. In 2020, David was appointed Associate Archdeacon of Dorchester and was made an Honorary Canon at Christ Church Cathedral in recognition of his service to the Church.
David was ordained in 2003 and served his curacy in the Diocese of Leicester, and moved to parish ministry in the Diocese of Oxford in 2007. Before a calling to ordained ministry, David was a Chartered Accountant.
David is married to Catherine and together they have two children, Josh and Charlotte, both at university. He enjoys gardening and walks with the family cocker spaniel.
Hear David's story
For media enquiries, please contact Madeleine Hayden in the press office: 07880 716 761
High-resolution photography is available here.
About the Archdeaconry of Dorchester
The Dorchester episcopal area covers a great deal of Oxfordshire, apart from the City of Oxford. It extends from the Cotswolds in the west all the way down to Henley-on-Thames. The Dorchester Area has 326 churches across 11 deaneries, making it one of the largest archdeaconries in the Church of England and larger than some dioceses.
The deaneries in the Dorchester Area are Abingdon, Aston & Cuddesdon, Bicester & Islip, Chipping Norton, Deddington, Henley, Vale of White Horse, Wantage, Wallingford, Witney and Woodstock.