New Bishop of Kensington announced

15/12/08

The next Bishop of Kensington will be the Revd Canon Paul Gavin Williams, Downing Street has announced today. He will be consecrated as Bishop at St Paul's Cathedral on 25 March 2009.

Canon Williams, 40, joins from the Oxford Diocese, where he has led one of its largest churches, St James Gerrards Cross with Fulmer in Buckinghamshire, since 1999. He has built a ministry team that has been creative and highly effective in engaging new people in the life of the church, especially among the young and local families. The variety of services, from the traditional to the contemporary, have enabled this innovative church to draw people from a wide range of ages and backgrounds. His expertise in leadership development, church growth and children's ministry will now be put to good effect in his new role in West London, where he succeeds the Rt Revd Michael Colclough who became a Canon of St Paul's Cathedral last year.

The Bishop of London welcomed the announcement, saying:

"Canon Williams' background in successfully leading and growing a thriving parish, and his broader experience in leadership and children's ministry, will prove invaluable as he takes up the challenge in Kensington. His skills and expertise match directly the needs of the Area and the Diocese as a whole, identified by the Advisory Group, which has played a most creative role in the appointments process".

Canon Paul Williams said:

"West London is full of churches, large and small, doing outstanding work and I am looking forward enormously to serving in partnership with the clergy and congregations across the area in supporting and encouraging their mission. Particularly as we are faced with these difficult and turbulent economic times, I feel that our churches are well placed to play a vital role in providing practical support to people within the local communities they serve. Coming up towards Christmas our churches can also bring a message of future hope that is so central to the Christian faith and part of our unique contribution to national life."

Having trained for ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, Canon Williams originally served in the Diocese of London at St James, Muswell Hill, from 1992 to 1995 before spending four years as Associate Vicar at Christ Church Clifton in Bristol Diocese.

Canon Williams is married to Sarah and they have three boys, aged 5, 8 and 9. He is enthusiastic about all sport, especially football and sailing, and is keen on fell-walking and English choral music.