The Rt Revd Malcolm Chamberlain was ordained and consecrated on Wednesday, June 11, the feast day of Barnabas, and will take up his role as Bishop of Wakefield shortly.
The service at York Minster saw Bishop Malcolm swear his oath of canonical obedience and be ordained and anointed as bishop by the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, and a gathering of other bishops, including representatives from the Diocese of Leeds.
Taking place on the feast day of Barnabas the Apostle in the Church of England’s calendar, the service was an opportunity for Bishop Malcolm to affirm his calling to the role of bishop, and all that entails.
The sermon was preached by the Ven Nikki Groarke, Archdeacon of Dudley in the Diocese of Worcester.
Archdeacon Nikki spoke of the characteristics needed to be a good bishop, including love, humbleness, kindness and patience, qualities Bishop Malcolm brings to his new role.
Archdeacon Nikki said that Bishop Malcolm will be an advocate for the churches and communities of the Wakefield area, and said he will be an encourager, much like Barnabas was to the early church.
Bishop Malcolm will bring all this and more as he becomes the Bishop of Wakefield, in line with our Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence work.
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, said of the appointment: “I am delighted to welcome Malcolm as the Bishop of Wakefield and to this important area of our diocese, so rich in both industrial heritage and current potential.
“He is assured a warm West Yorkshire welcome in the parishes of its city, towns and villages. Each has its own identities, strengths and challenges and I know Malcolm will listen and learn from everyone’s voices.
“His lived experience of hard-pressed communities in Liverpool and his recent role as an Archdeacon in our neighbouring Diocese of Sheffield mean he has the knowledge, skills and attitude to suit the tasks ahead.
“I and our whole diocese wish him well and we will do everything to support his new ministry to the people of our Wakefield Episcopal Area.”
Of Bishop Malcolm’s consecration, Archbishop Stephen said: “I am delighted to consecrate and welcome Malcolm as the new Bishop of Wakefield today.
“His appointment brings with it a wealth of pastoral experience, a deep love for Yorkshire, and a heart for serving both urban and rural communities.
“I know he will be a source of encouragement and inspiration to clergy and congregations alike.
“As he begins this new chapter, please join me in praying for Bishop Malcolm and his family.
“We look forward with hope and gratitude as Malcolm joins us in proclaiming Christ and serving with joy in South and West Yorkshire.”
Bishop Malcolm was educated at the University of York and trained for ministry at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He served his title at St John’s Pleck and Bescot, Walsall, in the Diocese of Lichfield, and was ordained Priest in 1997.
He was appointed Associate Minister at St Matthew and St James, Mossley Hill, in the Diocese of Liverpool in 1999, and additionally worked as Associate Anglican Chaplain at the University of Liverpool.
In 2002 Bishop Malcolm was appointed as Anglican Chaplain to the University of Liverpool and an Emerging Church Consultant for the Diocese of Liverpool, a pioneering role that involved planting and leading a new worshipping community for young adults in Liverpool city centre. From 2008, he served as Priest-in-Charge at St Mary’s, Wavertree, and was appointed Rector in 2011. He was also appointed as Area Dean of Toxteth and Wavertree in 2012.
In 2014 Malcolm was appointed as Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham, in the Diocese of Sheffield. He is a member of the College of Archbishops’ Evangelists and has served on the Church of England’s General Synod since 2015 and Mission and Public Affairs Council since 2016.