Appointing a new bishop

The appointment of a new bishop is made by Her Majesty the Queen, on the advice of the Prime Minister, following an established process which involves representatives from the diocese, the archbishops and national representatives from General Synod.

Downing Street has announced on 28 April 2022 that the Rt Revd Michael Beasley will be the next Bishop of Bath and Wells.

Bishop Michael is currently the Bishop of Hertford, a role which he has held since 2015. Prior to taking a fulltime role with the church, Bishop Michael was an epidemiologist, a background he was called on to use during the pandemic as a member of the Church of England’s Covid task force.

There are a number of formalities that need to happen before Bishop Michael can begin his new job. Firstly, Wells Cathedral’s College of Canons have to formally vote for him to become our new bishop.

There are other arrangements to be made nationally following on from this; Bishop Michael also has to meet the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, for a ceremony during which he is given spiritual responsibility for our diocese. A time will need to be found for him to meet with Her Majesty The Queen and formally pay homage to her as head of the Church of England.

It is hoped Bishop Michael will formally take up his role in the autumn. 

We pray for Bishop Michael, his wife Lizzie and their family in this time of change as Bishop Michael prepares to leave St Albans and moves to be with us in Bath and Wells. 

Downloads

Statement of Needs

Who to contact

Email: newbishop@bathwells.anglican.org