THE QUEEN has approved the appointment of the Reverend Prebendary Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons and Priest in Charge of St Mary-at-Hill, London, as the next Bishop of Dover. The new bishop was introduced to the Diocese by the Archbishop of Canterbury at a visit to St George’s School in Broadstairs.
“I am excited to have been called to be the next bishop of Dover in the Diocese of Canterbury with its long history of Christian witness,” said Rose.
“I am looking forward to journeying with the people of Kent, celebrating the good work that is already happening there and working together with its religious and secular leaders to ensure that the good news of hope, love and justice remains at the heart of our changed lives together.”
Welcoming the appointment, Archbishop Justin Welby said: “Rose Hudson-Wilkin has, over the last nine years, been one of the most influential and effective ministers in the public square through her long service as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons. I have constantly been told that she has been an effective pastor in one crisis or another, especially in the last few years.
Before that she was a parish minister of great impact. She has been described as prophet, pastor and evangelist. She has challenged the Church of England over its engagement with UK minority ethnic groups, and has spoken forcefully and effectively at many evangelistic meetings.
“I am absolutely delighted that she is willing to move from her current role to be the new Bishop of Dover. She will bring great energy and a profound commitment to collegial working, an outward looking approach to the mission of the church and a profound spiritual life. We pray for God’s blessing on her as she prepares to move.”
"I am thrilled that Rose will be taking on this crucial role at a time when we seek to change more and more lives for Christ in our diocese,” added Diocesan Secretary Julian Hills. “She brings a prophetic voice that will both challenge and inspire us to discern God’s will for our future. She tells the story of a loving and generous God who reaches out to all people and I have no doubt that she will be a blessing in so many different ways."
The Rt Hon John Bercow, Speaker of the House of Commons, said: "Rose is one of the warmest, kindest and most loving people I have ever met, so she will be sorely missed by Members across the House, the staff and especially, by me.
"She has an unfailing sense of duty and an ability – more than she would herself ever know – to bring comfort in times of tragedy. Furthermore, her steely resolve when confronted with loss and evil, following the death of our dear colleague Jo Cox, and in the wake of the Westminster Bridge attack, was plain for all to see. Both in the celebration of happiness and in condolence and prayer, she has the most reassuring, fortifying presence anyone could want.
"Personally, I would like to thank Rose for her steadfast support and friendship over the last nine years. Our loss is certainly the Diocese of Canterbury’s gain. She will be the most excellent Bishop of Dover, and I will watch keenly the next stage of her spiritual journey."
Rose will succeed the Rt Revd Trevor Willmott who retired from the role in May this year. She will be consecrated in a service at St Paul’s Cathedral on 19 November and installed at Canterbury Cathedral on 30 November.
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