Bishop Andrew leads on church buildings
Bishop Andrew has been appointed as lead bishop for church and cathedral buildings. He shares the role with the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Viv Faull.
The Archbishops of Canterbury and York announced the appointment of the two new lead bishops on 13th July.
Bishop Andrew, a published author* whose writing centres on themes of local and national identity, said:
“I am honoured to share this new role with the Bishop of Bristol.
“Our church buildings are a priceless legacy, close to the nation’s soul. I look forward to championing their vital place in public worship and community renewal, and to working with church, government and heritage bodies to assure their future.”
The Church of England has around 16,000 church buildings and 42 cathedrals, of which more than 12,500 are listed. The lead bishops support those who care for these buildings by speaking at national level, engaging in dialogue with the UK government and partner organisations.
The Bishops jointly take over the role from the Bishop of Worcester, John Inge.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell said:
“We are delighted that Bishop Viv and Bishop Andrew have accepted this invitation. Their combined experience will be a blessing to those who care for and uphold our places of worship as beacons of faith in our communities, and in their important civic, heritage and educational roles.
“We also wish to take the opportunity to thank Bishop John Inge for all he has contributed to this role.”
Bishop Viv was Dean of York prior to her appointment as Bishop of Bristol and is a member of the House of Lords.
She said:
“I am delighted to be given this formal role in leading the Church of England’s thinking and planning as we continue to develop these glorious assets and support the outstanding work of the local communities who pay for them and pray in them.
“The experience of the last 18 months includes our buildings being closed, being used to feed and support the most vulnerable in our communities and becoming more environmentally sustainable as well as monuments and artefacts being noticed and debated.”
For more information on churches and cathedrals see www.churchofengland.org/resources/churchcare
*Bishop Andrew’s most recent book is Parish: An Anglican Theology of Place, published by SCM Press.
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