Mark Beach: from cathedral dean to Blackfriars Settlement director

The news was announced in a statement released on Sunday by the Bishop of Rochester, the Rt Revd James Langstaff.

"I am today in a position to announce that the Very Reverend Dr Mark Beach has resigned voluntarily from his post as dean of Rochester Cathedral," said the bishop.

"He is taking on a new role outside ordained ministry, and has been appointed to the post of director of the Blackfriars Settlement. He will be leaving the cathedral with immediate effect.

"Dr Beach has been dean since May 2012 during which time a great deal has been achieved in the life of the cathedral. I ask the cathedral community and others to continue to hold Dr Beach and his family in their prayers, and I wish him well in his new role."

Earlier this month the Bishop of Rochester revealed that Dr Beach had withdrawn from public ministry after the breakdown of his marriage.

At Blackfriars Settlement Dr Beach will succeed Julie Corbett-Bird who is leaving her post as director of the historic local charity which provides activities for young people and older people in north Southwark as well as mental health and wellbeing services.