Dean of Exeter Cathedral announces his retirement

The Dean of Exeter Cathedral has announced he will retire, months after he was criticised by his own Bishop.

The Very Reverend Dr Jonathan Draper made the announcement at Sunday services that he will be leaving his post after a sabbatical period ends in the summer.

In a statement Exeter Cathedral said: "after considerable thought and reflection the Dean, the Very Rev Jonathan Draper, has announced that he will retire at the end of August this year. He and his wife Maggie are on leave this week, and on his return Jonathan will be on sabbatical. He has been Dean for over five years and has achieved considerable change including renewing the outward focus to the city and county, and giving the Cathedral a greater mission focus. His preaching ministry has been greatly appreciated."

The Dean was embroiled in controversy when he implied those who voted to leave the EU were 'stupid'. He tweeted a picture of a man holding a gun with the slogan 'never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups'. The American born Dean later apologised for 'any offence' caused and deleted it from his account.

The Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Robert Atwell, then published his Visitation Charge which revealed a number of internal wrangles which lead to the door of the Dean.

The Bishop wrote:"Although an excellent preacher, the Visitors were repeatedly informed that the lack of spiritual leadership and pastoral care emanates from the Dean himself.

"He claims to be a 'big picture' thinker, but appears not to listen to advice, even from senior colleagues.

"He does little to encourage staff and seems to have little contact with many regular members of the congregation who claim to find him remote and disinterested."

The Bishop also said it was essential the cathedral 'lives within its means'.

But it has also been revealed that even with savings, they project a budget deficit of £175,000 for 2017.

The Cathedral has 75 full and part time members of staff and 'we are currently holding some posts vacant to save money' as 'we are going through a difficult period in making our future sustainable'.

A Cathedral spokesman said:"Unlike other cathedrals, Exeter does not have any large endowments or properties, and our maintenance bill alone for the building is forecast to be at least £4.2 million over the next decade."

The spokesman said they have had to make redundancies to balance the books.

Today's statement from Exeter Cathedral also went on to say: "Also this week, Canon Victoria Thurtell has resigned from her post of Precentor with immediate effect, and is looking forward to a new ministry in due course. There will be an opportunity to say farewell and thank you to Victoria in the coming months.

To help the Cathedral continue its worshipping life, Bishop Martin Shaw has been appointed Acting Precentor, with immediate effect. The Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, will provide pastoral oversight to the Cathedral during this time. Canon Dr Mike D Williams will Chair Chapter.

We thank God for the ministry of those who are leaving us, and for those who remain, and for all who worship and support our Cathedral."