I am delighted that Downing Street has today announced the name of the 133rd Bishop of London — the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally DBE, currently Bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter.
You can find the official release here and Bishop Sarah’s own statement here.
Bishop Sarah has proven qualities of leadership and commitment to collaborative working. Her work in the public square uniquely equips her for the important outward focus that is required in leading the Diocese in this great World City. She also brings strong experience of parish and cathedral life, and sees her vocational experience as nurse, civil servant, priest, and bishop as a totality.
This is an exciting time in the life of the Diocese of London as we seek, under God, to build on the strong legacy left by Bishop Richard and to develop Capital Vision 2020 on into the next decade. As a Diocese, we have been successful in receiving several tranches of Strategic Development Funding, and we have much to do to develop the life of both traditional parishes and church plants, chaplaincies, and niche congregations. Bishop Sarah will challenge us to think afresh about what is involved in the re-evangelisation of London and the ways in which we engage with our city with confidence, compassion, and creativity.
Along with the rest of my colleagues in the Senior Staff, I welcome the announcement of Bishop Sarah’s appointment and look forward with excitement to working under her leadership as our Diocesan Bishop.
The date of her installation will be announced in due course, as will the arrangements for her to meet the Diocese. In the meantime, please pray for Bishop Sarah and her husband Eamonn as they prepare for the move to London. Please pray particularly for the practical arrangements for housing while renovation works are carried out at the Old Deanery.
With best wishes for Advent and Christmas. May you know and experience the joy of the incarnate Christ Child.
