New Bishop of Kensington Consecrated at St Paul’s Cathedral

25/03/09

The new Bishop of Kensington, Paul Williams, was consecrated at St Paul’s Cathedral today. The service was led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, assisted by the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Winchester and the Bishop of Oxford.

Bishop Paul, 40, joins from the Oxford Diocese, having led one of its largest churches, St James Gerrards Cross with Fulmer in Buckinghamshire, since 1999. There he built a ministry team that has been creative and highly effective in engaging new people in the life of the church, particularly among young, local families. 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. He succeeds the Rt Revd Michael Colclough who became a Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral in 2007.

Bishop Paul said:

"At a time of such deep economic uncertainty for our nation, it is a privilege to be part of a service that is infused with such great hope. The office of bishop is an ancient ministry of the church that extends right back to New Testament times. I believe that the church is uniquely placed to put the love of Christ on display in 21st Century London, in a way that can be truly transformational for communities across the capital. As a bishop, I look forward to sharing this ‘adventure of Christ’ in partnership with the Bishop of London, fellow bishops, clergy and congregations in many different and exciting settings around the diocese."

The Bishop of London, Dr Richard Chartres, said:

"Bishop Paul brings to Kensington invaluable experience in leadership and children’s ministry and a proven background in successfully leading and growing a thriving parish. His skills and expertise match directly the needs of the Area and the challenges that the Diocese of London faces as a whole."

Having trained for ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, Bishop Paul 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.

Bishop Paul 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.