Downing Street has announced today that the Rt Revd David Williams, the current Bishop of Basingstoke, has been appointed as the next Bishop of Truro.
Bishop David has been a much-loved part of the Diocese of Winchester for the past 24 years, first as vicar of Christ Church Winchester (2002-2014) then as Bishop of Basingstoke from 2014.
Addressing the people of our diocese he said: “These have been the best years of my life and it has been a privilege to serve here. We have taken the communities here into our hearts, and I believe you have taken us into yours. Over it all there has been the remarkable story of God’s grace holding us, being with us through everything. We ask you to pray for Helen and I as we prepare to move and for the new opportunities that lie ahead, just as we will continue to pray for you.”
David grew up in Uganda and came to the UK to study Social Policy at Bristol University. After some years working with Church Mission Society in Kenya, he began training for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. He was ordained in 1989, beginning his ministry as a curate in Ecclesall, Sheffield Diocese. His first incumbency was in the neighbouring parish of Dore and he was then appointed as Rural Dean of Ecclesall in 1997. During these years he was also a Chaplain at Aldine House Children’s Home.
He moved south to Hampshire in 2002 and has become a hugely valued friend, mentor, leader and support to the many communities in the north of our diocese, particularly the deaneries of Whitchurch, Andover, Alresford, Basingstoke, Alton, Odiham and Winchester. He has also been an Honorary Canon of Winchester Cathedral since 2012.
David is married to Helen and they have two children and two grandsons who are very much looking forward to going to visit them in Cornwall!
The Rt Revd Philip Mounstephen, Bishop of Winchester, said, ‘I’m delighted that Bishop David is going to be the next Bishop of Truro. The diocese and its people have a great place in my affections and I’m sure they will benefit greatly from David’s warm and generous pastoral heart. I assure them all of my continued prayers.’
The Rt Red Rhiannon King, Bishop of Southampton, said, ‘Bishop David’s faith, energy and love for God and people is legendary. I shall miss the opportunity to work with him for longer.’
Colin Harbidge, Diocesan Secretary, said, ‘The contribution that Bishop David has made to our diocesan community over the last 24 years has been exceptional. Whether in parish ministry, as Chair of the House of Clergy, or as Bishop of Basingstoke, David has always led with joyful passion mixed with an insightful ability to spot the potential in people, parishes and missional opportunities. As David and Helen prepare to move to Truro they go with our thanks, love and prayers for all they have given to us.’
Bishop David will be installed as Bishop of Truro in the spring.
The Rt Revd Hugh Nelson, Bishop of St Germans in the Diocese of Truro, said: “I am delighted by David’s appointment and am looking forward to welcoming him and working with him. His wealth of experience, love of people and deep faith will inspire us on, as we continue to work for a fruitful and sustainable church in Cornwall.”
Watch a video of Bishop David sharing a special message for the Diocese of Winchester...
