The Rev. Dr. Samuel Wells, the dean of Duke Chapel since 2005, will leave Duke early next summer to become the vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields in London, he announced today.

“I’ve loved being a part of Duke as we have explored together what faith means to head, heart and hand in a diverse culture at a challenging time.” Wells said in a statement. “It has been an amazing privilege and joy to lead the ministry of the Chapel and share in the vibrant Duke and Durham communities. I shall miss it more than I can say.”

Wells will return to England to lead a prominent church that enjoys a close relationship with national leaders. Located in Trafalgar Square beside the National Gallery, the church is renowned for its high profile in the arts and engagement with poverty, often appearing in public broadcasts tied to issues of social justice.