The Bishop of Huddersfield, the Rt Revd Jonathan Gibbs, has been named as the new Bishop of Rochester, Downing Street announced this morning.
Bishop Jonathan will head the Church of England’s second oldest diocese after Canterbury, and said how much he valued being part of the team that forged our young diocese.
“It has been a huge privilege to serve as the first Bishop of Huddersfield over the last seven and a half years and to be part of the adventure of shaping the new Diocese of Leeds.
“Also, it has been a great pleasure working with Bishop Nick and my colleagues in his staff team, as well as with Archdeacon Anne Dawtry, and now Archdeacon Bill Braviner.
“We have been blessed with a great Area Staff Team and many fantastic clergy and lay leaders who work so hard to help our churches thrive and make a difference in our communities.”
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds said: “Although sorry to lose such a good colleague and friend from Leeds, I am delighted to see Jonathan bringing his great gifts and experience to Rochester.
“He has a sharp mind, a pastoral heart and a huge capacity for service. He leaves with my gratitude and prayers.”
Reflecting on the personal experience of his family, Bishop Jonathan said: “Toni and I have greatly enjoyed getting to know the people and parishes of the Huddersfield Episcopal Area, as well as right across our wonderfully rich and diverse Diocese.
“We are so grateful for the warm welcome we have received from both our churches and the wider community, especially at the University of Huddersfield, which has so generously provided us with space for our Area Office.
“We will miss all the friends we have made here and will pray for God’s continued blessing on our churches, our ecumenical and inter-faith partners, and all those who serve the great people of Calderdale and Kirklees.”
Bishop Jonathan will continue to lead on safeguarding issues for the Church of England when he takes on in his new role in Kent.
Preparing for the culture shock of moving to the Deep South, he added: “I am deeply honoured to have been appointed as the new Bishop of Rochester, and Toni and I are excited about the prospect of moving to the Diocese and to discovering all that God has in store for us there.
“Please pray for us as we move on to pastures new, in a place so far south they’ve probably never heard of a Fat Rascal or tasted a pint of Timothy Taylor!
“Thank you for all you have given to us and for the joy of sharing the journey with you.
"God’s blessings on you all.”