Venerable Neil Warwick who is the current Archdeacon of Bristol has been announced as the next Bishop of Swindon.
The King approved Ven Neil to succeed Rt Rev Dr Lee Rayfield as leader of the Diocese of Bristol following his retirement earlier this year, Downing Street said on Thursday.
The Archbishop of Canterbury will be consecrating Ven Neil at Canterbury Cathedral on Thursday 30th November at 11 a.m.
“I’m delighted at the prospect of being the Bishop of Swindon, in a Diocese I love and at an exciting time in its life,” Ven Neil said.
“My prayer is that I can embody the values of the Diocese – openness, creativity, generosity, and bravery – as I serve the churches and communities in Swindon and North Wiltshire.”
“I’m enthusiastic about supporting Swindon’s churches in their God-given mission to build community, form local partnerships, and be a positive presence across the town and beyond.”
As a member of the leadership team of the Bishop of Bristol, Neil played a significant role in the discernment, shaping, and implementation of Bristol Diocese’s mission plan – Transforming Church Together.
Acknowledging Neil’s appointment, Bishop of Bristol Rt Rev Vivienne Faull, said “The appointment of Neil Warwick to be Bishop of Swindon enables the whole of the Diocese to benefit from Neil’s gifts as a change maker.”
“He attracts others to the Christ he serves through his deep faithfulness, his broad sympathies, and his enjoyment of the overflowing life God brings.”
“I am so glad Neil will continue to be at the heart of Transforming Church. Together, and that we caught him before he was enticed elsewhere,” he added.