Downing Street has announced today that Bishop Ruth is to become the new suffragan Bishop of Wigan in the Diocese of Liverpool and to serve as the Interim Bishop of Liverpool. Unlike her secondment to Coventry, this will require her to lay down her role as Bishop of Taunton.
Read announcement from the Archbishop of York on Bishop Ruth’s appointment
Bishop Ruth says, “I have been a bishop for almost 10 years now, serving principally in Bath and Wells, and responding in times of change here and, more recently, in Coventry. Now Archbishop Stephen has asked me to support Liverpool Diocese in their moment of need.
“I shall miss Somerset and the wonderful people and places here and, as I follow God’s call for me, I will be praying for all of you, and for all that is to come.”
Bishop Ruth’s last service in the diocese will be the Chrism service at Wells Cathedral, on Tuesday, 15 April. More details about this service will be announced shortly.
Bishop Michael says, “It is only right that Bishop Ruth answers this call to the Diocese of Liverpool. I am sure you will agree that with her many gifts, Ruth will be a huge blessing to them at this time of healing and hope, before they take steps to determine what they need from the next Bishop of Liverpool.
“Unlike Bishop Ruth’s recent move to Coventry, this departure to Liverpool will require her to lay down her role as Bishop of Taunton. I appreciate this could be unsettling news, especially as we have all just welcomed her back to Bath and Wells, but I want to assure you that we will be moving forward to appoint a new Bishop of Taunton with all possible speed. I am sure you will all join me in praying for Bishop Ruth as she prepares to take this next step in her ministry.”
Bishop Ruth takes on the role of interim Bishop of Liverpool following the decision of Bishop John Perumbalath to step back from ministry earlier in January 2025. Bishop Ruth will be moving to Liverpool as soon as feasible and a commissioning service will take place in Liverpool at a date to be confirmed. It is expected that from Easter onwards, Bishop Ruth will assume her role fully as Interim Bishop of Liverpool.
A message from Bishop Ruth and Bishop Michael