The Rev'd Canon Dean Fostekew 

An adopted Scot, Dean is a graduate of Chichester Theological College; in 1991 he visited Edinburgh to undertake 3 days of research and never really left. He moved permanently to settle in Scotland in 1995 following a curacy at all Saints Boyne Hill Maidenhead.

After working and living in Lockerbie from 1995-97, St. Mary's Dalmahoy 1997-2001 and the Episcopal  Cathedral in Edinburgh 2001-2009 Dean was inducted as the Rector of the Church of the Good Shepherd in May 2009.

Dean thoroughly enjoys his job, supporting the local community and working in the diocese.  He says that Murrayfield is a good place to minister in because the people are interesting, supportive and challenging.

Dean is proud to stand up and be counted as a 'Liberal Thinker and Theologian' and is constantly encouraged by the congregation's response to sermons and new ideas. Exploring the grey areas of life and faith excite him.

Dean also has a role as Chaplain to the Bishop of Edinburgh, which takes him hither and thither across the Diocese. He is also a Canon of St.Mary's Cathedral, which also engages him in various different aspects of the life and mission of the Diocese. 

When he's not out and about on church business, there are several places that Dean can be found ...

In the Rectory kitchen ...

for our Rector cooking is not so much of a hobby but a passion and, although he's a quasi-vegan, Dean's roast-dinners are said to be 'Master-Chef'-worthy, including roast potatoes described by his friends as the 'crispiest in Scotland'.  Dean is some-what sceptical of this praise. Whilst working in the kitchen, Dean is kept company by his Radio friends from Ambridge. He firmly believes that The Archers is a live documentary, and not a soap opera. He has listened in since the age of 7. His partner, often tries to convince him otherwise but as Dean says; ‘If Gill Archer  says; ‘It is so’, then it is so.’ His cats Angus and HSH the Grand Duchess Grace agree with him.

At the theatre ...

Dean has been known to overdose on culture during Edinburgh's International Festival; contemporary dance (most especially Scottish Ballet), theatre and opera keep him happy as does anything on television that is historical or archeological; (especially if they contain forensic oesteology - something he once thought he might have a career in). When not reading theology he quite often has his nose in a historical detective novel. Although frustrations can creep in with differing interpretations of historical events. That's to say when they don't agree with his interpretation!

... that said ...

Dean is a fan of "Dr Who"; Ealing Studios Comedies and the other archive comedies. He is also not adverse to a good action/adventure movie. He is also somewhat addicted to Archive Radio as can be found in the Sounds archive of  Radio 4Extra. 'All gas and gaiters', 'The Men from the ministry' and "The Navy Lark' to name but a few have seemed to have improved his ironing skills no end.

Dean in his own words:

"I am more than convinced that I'm living in the best city and the most beautiful Country in the world. I feel privileged to be a priest in the Scottish Episcopal Church, which I consider to be the most exciting expression of Anglicanism I have ever encountered."

Judy Wedderspoon: Lay Reader

Judy was licensed as a Lay Reader at the Good Shepherd in February 2025.