Friday 2nd May 2014 NEW BISHOP OF BARKING SAYS IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO BE JOINING A DIOCESE WHICH IS ON THE MOVE WITH GOD The Venerable Peter Hill, Archdeacon of Nottingham, has been nominated by Her Majesty the Queen as the new Bishop of Barking in succession to The Rt Revd David Hawkins. Peter Hill said: “The call of God to be a bishop has come unexpectedly and I am both excited and daunted by the task that lies ahead. “It is a privilege to be joining a diocese which is on the move with God and is currently celebrating 100 years of mission and ministry. I am energised and challenged by its vision and determination, led by Bishop Stephen, to be a transforming presence for Jesus in people's lives and communities. I intend to play my full part in that vision and action. “As Bishop of Barking I very much look forward to taking a lead in the Episcopal Area with its rich diversity of faiths and culture, and engaging fully in its public life. East London and South Essex are expanding rapidly and I know there is adventure and challenge ahead for the people of God as we share the Good News of Jesus Christ in a changing world. “It will be great working alongside a strong and creative leadership team as we build on the past and work to re-imagine the ministry and service of the church for the future.” The Bishop of Chelmsford, The Right Reverend Stephen Cottrell, added: “I am delighted that Peter Hill has agreed to be the next Bishop of Barking. He comes at a time of great transition in the Diocese of Chelmsford. “Peter’s thoughtful and imaginative leadership and oversight will bring wisdom and direction during this time of change and development. Peter comes with a huge and varied experience of leadership and ministry in the Church of England. He has served as Archdeacon, Incumbent and, unusually for a priest, as Diocesan Secretary and Chief Executive. Coupled with his proven ability to lead missional change, especially in urban areas, this wide experience will serve the exciting diversity of the Barking Area well. “We warmly welcome Peter and his wife Ellen and their family to the diocese and look forward with anticipation to their ministry and life amongst us.” The three Barking Area Archdeacons have also welcomed this appointment. The Archdeacon of Barking, The Venerable John Perumbalath, said: “We are delighted to welcome Bishop Peter into Barking Episcopal Area, an exciting place where the church is actively engaged with our culturally, socially and religiously diverse communities. Peter comes to us with such experience, wisdom and passion that have prepared him well for many of the challenges and opportunities this job presents." 1 The Archdeacon of West Ham, The Venerable Elwin Cockett, said: “Christians in East London will give a warm welcome to our new bishop and his family. People in this part of the diocese are drawn from all corners of the world-wide Anglican Communion, and we look forward very much to having Bishop Peter among us, bringing with him his unique skills, experience and insights.” The Archdeacon of Harlow, the Venerable Martin Webster, said: “The Barking Episcopal Area is an exciting and challenging place to come and minister and to serve the church and the community. To Have Bishop Peter joining us is a delight and joy. He brings so much experience, passion and understanding for the diversity of the area, we are delighted to welcome him and his family into our midst." More information 1. About the new Bishop of Barking: Peter Hill has been Archdeacon of Nottingham since 2007, overseeing one of the oldest Archdeaconries in the country. Previously he was incumbent of two Nottinghamshire mining parishes and also Diocesan Chief Executive for four years. Talking about his current role, Peter said: “My task is both to be an agent for missional change and to serve, support and encourage clergy and lay church leaders in their ministries. Leading the collaborative team of Area Deans and lay leaders for the five deanery areas of the Archdeaconry has been a particularly important role and privilege. As also is chairing the process for appointing new clergy on behalf of the bishop. An Archdeacon is a bit like being the drummer in a rock band, who provides the back beat, to hold things together for the other band members to improvise and build their music on; with an occasional drum solo along the way!” Originally from Swansea, Peter studied at Manchester and Nottingham Universities and Wycliffe Hall Oxford. He taught for eight years in Greater Manchester before being ordained and served as a curate in Nottingham, as vicar of Huthwaite and later of Calverton. As a former teacher, he was a member of the Dearing Review Group on church schools, and is Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education. He also serves nationally on General Synod and as Vice-Chair of the Dioceses Commission, which is tasked with reviewing the diocesan and episcopal structures of the church as a whole. Peter is married to Ellen, who taught children with severe and profound learning difficulties in Mansfield. They have two grown up children and two grandsons. A keen sport and outdoor enthusiast, Peter is committed to the theology and practice of pilgrimage, having completed a number of long distance pilgrim walks. He has led many pilgrimages to The Holy Land, is learning to fly fish, cycles for pleasure (mostly on the flat!) and has faith enough to support Swansea City and Welsh rugby! 2. The Venerable Peter Hill will be consecrated as Bishop of Barking at St Paul’s Cathedral on 25 July at 11.00am. 3. It is anticipated that Peter Hill will start his ministry as Bishop in September 2014. 4. About the Bishop of Barking’s Area – the “Barking Episcopal Area”: The Bishop of Barking’s Area covers three Archdeaconries and eight Deaneries (see the map on page 4): The Archdeaconry of Barking with the Deaneries of Barking & Dagenham and Havering. 2 The Archdeaconry of West Ham with the Deaneries of Newham, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest. The Archdeaconry of Harlow with the Deaneries of Epping Forest & Ongar, and Harlow. Major locations include Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London City Airport, ExCeL, Royal Docks, the University of East London and Barking Riverside. With 1,481,000 people the Barking Area of the Diocese of Chelmsford is large by comparison with dioceses – it is larger than 31 single dioceses. The Barking Area has 135 parishes and 178 churches. The average weekly church attendance in the Barking Area is 15,110 people with about 1,510 more attending ‘fresh expressions’ or new forms of church. The number of adults regularly worshipping in Barking Area churches is estimated to be 14,880. There are 34 Church of England schools in the Barking Area. 5. About the Diocese of Chelmsford: The Diocese of Chelmsford is the Church of England in five East London boroughs and the county of Essex. Chelmsford is the second largest diocese in England by population after the Diocese of London. The Diocese is largest voluntary organisation in this church region. Chelmsford’s Mission Opportunity Fund donated £435,000 to community projects last year. Nearly 30,000 children and young people attend 140 church schools in Chelmsford Diocese. About 100,000 young people share in assemblies, chaplaincy, clubs and youth work. The decline in church attendance has finally bottomed out. There are more than 40,000 regular worshippers in nearly 500 worshipping communities served by almost 800 clergy and ministers in this diocese. 3 4 .