Bishop of Huddersfield Appointed Bishop of Rochester
The Area Bishop of Huddersfield in the Diocese of Leeds, the Rt Revd Jonathan Gibbs has been appointed Diocesan Bishop of Rochester. Bishop Gibbs also heads the Church of England Safeguarding Ministry. He will continue to exercise that responsibility after moving to his new role.
Bishop Gibbs remarked after the announcement;
“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.”
Bishop 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.”
