The Dean Speaks

We're proud to be a multi-fath community at King's. On this page, you can find the most recent statement that the Dean has shared with the King's community, and links to a range of previous statements over the academic year as well as links to a selection of the Dean's speaking and writing contributions.

Death of Bishop Richard Harries

30 April 2026

The Dean’s Office notes with deep sadness the death of Bishop Richard Harries, The Rt Revd the Lord Harries of Pentregarth, who died on 29 April 2026 at the age of 89.

Richard Harries served as Dean of King’s College London from 1981 to 1987, a period during which he played a significant role in shaping the College’s intellectual and spiritual life. He went on to serve as Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006 and later as a distinguished member of the House of Lords, where he was widely respected for his thoughtful engagement with theology, ethics, and public life.

Lord Harries was known nationally and internationally for the seriousness with which he held together faith, scholarship, and public responsibility. Through his preaching, writing, broadcasting, and parliamentary work, he encouraged generous intellectual enquiry, moral clarity, and careful attention to those whose voices are least heard.

Those who knew him at King’s remember his commitment to higher education as a place where theological reflection, ethical debate, and academic excellence are held in creative and sometimes challenging conversation. Throughout his life he was also known for his kindness and his humour.

Fr Alexander Fostiropoulos, who was appointed by Richard as Orthodox Chaplain in 1985, recalls that what was striking about Richard was his vision to link King’s to the wider city and to make connections in many areas of public life from which King’s continues to benefit.

In addition, his care and commitment to the wellbeing of staff at King’s is something that was greatly valued at the time and which the Dean’s Office continues to this day.

Above all, he was a man of deep faith and prayer, and Alexander recalls him attending his weekly Vespers service even in the busyness of his schedule.

His legacy continues to shape the values of dialogue, openness, and public service that remain central to the life of the College.

We give thanks for Richard’s life and witness. We pray for his wife Jo and children Mark and Clare and their families. We grieve his passing and we give thanks for the sure hope of resurrection. May Richard rest in peace and rise in glory. 

Happy Vesak Day!

28 April 2026

I want to wish a happy and light-filled Vesak Day to all our Buddhist students and staff.

Vesak, or Vesak Day, isn't always marked on the same day by Buddhists across the world, but it's always a joyful celebration of the birth of the Buddha. A time to remember and commit to the virtue of compassion and to the way of wisdom.

In the words of the Buddha: "Know well what leads you forward and what holds you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom."

You might like to pause a moment and think about what might be holding you back right now. It could be fearfulness or too limited a view of the world or barriers caused by other people's attitudes to you. What might you choose to change? And what is it that is offering to lead you forward? Is there a dream or a relationship or a new experience that offers the possibility of insight and growth? I hope there is and that you can grasp it.

And so to all who celebrate, may you have a joyful Vesak Day filled with hope and growing enlightenment.