A new man has become the Bailiwick’s most senior Anglican priest.
The Venerable Matthew Trick is in his first full day as the Dean of Guernsey (30 September).
A lifelong Christian, he changed careers from banking to become a deacon in 2008, and was ordained as a priest the following year.
He moved to Guernsey from Derby with his young family this summer, and was formally installed as the Dean of Guernsey at a special Town Church service last night.
He takes over from Tim Barker, who held the role since 2015.
Mr Trick says he wants to serve the whole Bailiwick.
"It's exciting; it is a significant responsibility.
"It is important not to assume that what worked or was relevant in England will work in the Bailiwick of Guernsey.
"Leading the church within these islands is about having a deep respect for what is distinctive, not importing strategy and leadership, but listening to the local people, listening to stories of the church throughout generations.
"Lean into what is working well and remove barriers that are blocking growth in other areas of church life."
During his time as Dean, Tim Barker was Rector of St Andrews. Mr Trick says he will do things a little differently.
"The role's been reconfigured so that I'm free to go around all the churches and, critically, all the islands so that the Dean is seen and present on Alderney, Herm, Sark and Guernsey.
"That feels like a significant change in role but one which will be really beneficial."
Mr Trick says he looks forward to building a stronger bond with the islands, having been Locum Priest in Alderney a couple of summers ago, and being appointed Vicar of Sark's St Peter’s church.
"I crawled across almost literally on hands and feet to La Coupe in February half-term during one of the wettest days I can remember, and there was fog, but it was still beautiful.
"We're really looking forward to getting to know Sark better."
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