The Reverend Canon Steven Kirk has been appointed the new Area Dean of Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil Deanery – taking over from Canon Robert Donkin, Rector of the Parish of Caerphilly, who retired at the end of September.
Canon Steven remains vicar of the parish of Ystrad Mynach and Llanbradach and also Canon of Llandaff Cathedral. Previously he was Area Dean of Margam during his 14 years in Port Talbot, where he served before moving to Ystrad Mynach in 2007.
He said: “I am looking forward to working more closely with the clergy in the deanery and tackling the challenges that face us in our part of the Diocese. I will be looking to ensure we proclaim the gospel among the people that we live and work amongst.”
Canon Robert Donkin, Rector of the Parish of Caerphilly and Area Dean of Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil, retires after serving 40 years as a priest. Married to Valerie, he has been rector of Caerphilly since 2008 and Area Dean for the past two years.
The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan said, “I want to thank Robert for his devoted service and for all that he has done in the parishes he has served and not least for the curates he has trained in the diocese. We wish him and Val, health and happiness in the years ahead.”