Westminster Abbey Dean Announces his Retirement

During the next month, before he and Mrs Carr move from the Deanery, adjoining the Abbey, to their Hampshire home, a series of farewell events has been arranged to mark his nine years as Dean.

Reflecting on his period at the Abbey, during which time he has been responsible for many significant occasions in national life, Dr Carr said he had thoroughly enjoyed his time at the Abbey, especially the more challenging moments. "We have many responsibilities, particularly in balancing the needs of worship, tradition and tourism. We rely on having a terrific team, where each and every one knows their part and this teamwork has developed over the years," he added.

The last major televised event Dr Carr and his team of almost 200 people prepared and conducted together was the Service of Prayer and Thanksgiving to mark the 60th Anniversary of the end of World War II, in July 2005. The service was attended by Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal family as the finale to a week of commemoration and celebration in London.

The process for appointing a new Dean has already begun: it is managed, initially, by the Prime Minister's Senior Appointments Secretary. He presents names to the Prime Minister who then, in due course, advises Her Majesty the Queen. During the interregnum, the Sub-Dean, Canon Robert Wright, is Acting Dean.

Dr Carr will preach at the Abbey for the last time before retirement at the Sung Eucharist (11.15am) on Sunday 5th February 2006 and will be present at Evensong (3.00pm) on Saturday 11th February 2006.