The Dean of Guernsey to retire later this summer

Wednesday, 7 January 2026 13:00

The Very Reverend Tim Barker has been in charge of the Anglican Church in the Bailiwick for the past decade.

The Very Reverend Tim Barker has written to both the Bishop of Salisbury and Guernsey's Lieutenant Governor to announce his decision to retire:

“It has been a great privilege to live and work in Guernsey for the past ten years.

"Ministry here, and especially at St Andrew’s church, where I have served as Rector, as well as in Alderney and Sark, has been richly rewarding."

Tim Barker has become a well known figure in the Bailiwick and has been present as the head of the church at many important events over the past 10 years:

"There have been many high points, such as visits by members of the Royal Family; marking Liberation Day in Guernsey and Homecoming in Alderney; as well as visits to Biberach, and to Masnières, with the Royal Guernsey Light Infantry Trust."

The Bishop of Salisbury, the Right Reverend Stephen Lake paid this tribute to his ministry:

“Tim has been an impressive leader of the Church of England in Guernsey as Dean for over a decade.

"There is much to thank him for when the time comes, but I know it is business as usual until Tim and Judy take their leave of the Bailiwick.”

The Very Reverend Tim Barker will leave his position on 31 July and will move back to the UK with his wife.

The Church says work to find a replacement is due to begin soon.