Church of England Appoints New Lead Bishop

January 21, 2023201 views0

Church of England Appoints New Lead Bishop

2023-01-21T10:23:08+01:00

By Church News

The Bishop of Stepney, Rt Rev Joanne Grenfell, is to be the Church of England’s new lead safeguarding bishop, taking over from Bishop Jonathan Gibbs who leaves the role at the end of March 2023, when his three-year term ends.Bishop Joanne will attend the House of Bishops and work closely with the national director of safeguarding, Alexander Kubeyinje.In a statement announcing the appointment, the Church of England said there will be a particular focus on the response to and implementation of the recommendations of the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse, IICSA and the Church’s second Past Cases Review, PCR2, which was published at the end of 2022.Bishop Joanne will chair the National Safeguarding Steering Group (NSSG), the delegated House of Bishops body responsible for making national safeguarding decisions and will work closely with the deputy lead bishops for safeguarding, the Bishop of Bristol, Rt Rev Viv Faull and the Bishop of Birkenhead, Rt Rev Julie Conalty.Both as a former archdeacon and currently as an area bishop in the Diocese of London, Bishop Joanne has chaired several safeguarding reviews and is currently the diocesan safeguarding lead, working closely with the Bishop of London.Bishop Joanne also chairs the national working group looking at the Seal of the Confessional.Bishop Joanne said, “I believe that how the Church of England deals with safeguarding is of the utmost importance.“It reveals our values and identity as a Church and is, therefore, a matter of spiritual integrity. I am committed to working for culture change, drawing on the wisdom of survivors and engaging with NST colleagues and leaders across the Church of England.“My aim is that together we will not only prevent church-based abuse now, but also deal honestly, thoroughly, and proactively with what has previously been perpetrated and covered up.”The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby said, “I am grateful to Bishop Jonathan who, as lead safeguarding bishop, has led the Church’s response to the IICSA and PCR2 reports, leading on the response both to the recommendations and the important calls for change from survivors.”He continued, “While recognising the safeguarding failures of the Church, Bishop Jonathan has been committed to seeking change in our safeguarding culture and practice.“I am now very pleased to welcome Bishop Joanne to the role of lead safeguarding bishop. I commend her commitment and experience as well as her willingness to take up this role, which is a vital part of the work of the Church. I am aware of the immense time commitment that this role rightly involves and pray for Bishop Joanne as this new chapter begins.”ALSO READ Christian Youth Charity In Partnership With The Church Of England