Lambeth Conference Working Group Chair, Bishop Emma Ineson, given new role as Bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell, have announced that the Bishop of Penrith, Dr Emma Ineson, is to become the new Bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York. In the new role, which replaces the Bishop at Lambeth post, Bishop Emma will have specific oversight of the programme for the 2022 Lambeth Conference of Anglican bishops.

Bishop Emma has been a member of both the Lambeth Conference Design Group, which had been preparing for the Lambeth Conference in 2020, and also the Lambeth Conference Working Group, which was convened after the Covid-19 pandemic forced the postponement of the 2020 event.

The new Bishop to the Archbishops of Canterbury and York role replaces the existing position of Bishop at Lambeth. That post is currently held by Bishop Tim Thornton, who will retire later this year. The new role will facilitate closer working relations between the staff teams at Lambeth Palace and Bishopthorpe – the official residences and offices of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York.

Bishop Emma will work directly for both archbishops, as well as with the whole College of Bishops. She will play a key role in work being done on the future of the Church of England, appointments and liaising with the House of Bishops.

“I am absolutely delighted to be taking up this new role at such a time of great opportunity and challenge for the Church of England, as we emerge from the Covid pandemic”, Bishop Emma said. “I am very much looking forward to working with the Archbishops and their teams at Lambeth and Bishopthorpe to enable the work of healing, renewal and hope that will be needed in the Church, and in wider society, in the coming years.

“We have good news to share in Jesus, and it will be a privilege to play whatever part I can in ensuring that good news is heard and received by all.”

Archbishop Justin said that he was “delighted” to welcome Bishop Emma to Lambeth Palace. “I know she will bring her considerable wisdom, humour and humility to the role, as well as her wealth of experience as a chaplain, teacher and outstanding preacher”, he said.

“As we look forward to the Lambeth Conference, in which Bishop Emma will continue to play a crucial role, her authentic and practical ministry will be invaluable to the global Anglican Communion. I will be praying for her and her husband, Mat, as they prepare to join this community of communities at Lambeth Palace.”

Archbishop Stephen said that Bishop Emma’s “theological depth and pastoral heart will be a huge blessing in this important ministry, not just to the Archbishops, but to the Church of England as we strive to be a simpler, humbler and bolder church.”

In her new role, Bishop Emma will not serve as Bishop to the Forces or Bishop to the Falkland Islands – in recent years these roles have been held by the Bishop at Lambeth.