The Venerable Julie Conalty, currently Archdeacon of Tonbridge, will be the next Bishop of Birkenhead, and the Revd Canon Sam Corley, currently Rector of Leeds Minster, will be the next Bishop of Stockport.
People from across the diocese and beyond have been reacting to the news. Below is what some people have been saying.
The Bishop of Rochester, James Langstaff
"Archdeacon Julie has given a huge amount to our diocese in a relatively short amount of time, serving first as vicar of Christ Church Erith and Area Dean of Erith. She's also been my adviser for the Ministry of Ordained Women, and alongside being Archdeacon of Tonbridge, has held the significant role of Bishop's Lead for Safeguarding.
"Her own passion and desire to see safeguarding work taken seriously has been of huge importance, changing not just processes, but also culture within the diocese. She would agree there is still a long way to go, but her contribution in this area has been hugely valuable.
"We assure her of our prayers as she takes on this new ministry."
The Bishop of Leeds, Nick Baines
The Bishop of Leeds thanked Sam for his ten years of energetic service in the region: “Sam has served the Diocese of Leeds and the wider Church of England in a variety of capacities with great diligence, wisdom, and generosity.
“He has inspired many people to greater vision and ministry within and beyond the Church. His appointment to the See of Stockport is wonderful for the Church, the wider community in the Diocese of Chester, and the bishops nationally.
“I am very sorry to be losing him but very confident that his ministry will continue to grow in the future.”
Bishop of Chester, Mark Tanner
"I am very much looking forward to working alongside Julie and Sam. There is much to be thankful for in the Diocese of Chester and am excited to see all that God has in store for us as we serve this diocese, but more importantly, what it is God has in store for all of us as we seek God’s will in our everyday lives.”
Archdeacon of Macclesfield, Ian Bishop
"I am delighted to welcome Sam and Julie to the diocese. This is a key moment in the life of Chester Diocese with new bishops ready to face the opportunities and challenges before the Church as a result of the pandemic. I particularly look forward to working closely with Sam in the Macclesfield Archdeaconry and introducing him to the fantastic clergy and laity who are doing such amazing work. I know that he, Claire and their family will find a very warm welcome."
Archdeacon of Chester, Mike Gilbertson
"It is a great joy to be able to welcome our two new bishops, Julie and Sam, to the diocese. They will each bring important gifts and valuable insights as we serve God together here. I look forward particularly to working closely with Julie in caring for the people and parishes of Chester Archdeaconry. As our communities emerge from the shadow of Covid, this is a time of huge change, and I look forward to all that God has in store for the diocese in the years ahead."
Diocesan Dean of Women in Ministry, Revd Christine Broad
"It is very exciting to hear that Julie and Sam are to be appointed as the new bishops of Birkenhead and Stockport in the Diocese of Chester. As Dean of Women in Ministry in this diocese, I would like to extend a warm welcome to both of our new bishops. I am very much looking forward to working with our new bishops as they bring their diverse wealth of experiences and wide range of gifts to ministry and as we share with all God's people the privilege of working together for the good of the Kingdom of God."
The Dean of Chester, Tim Stratford
"Along with my colleagues and the whole of the Chester Cathedral community, I am delighted with the news that Julie and Sam are to become the Bishops of Birkenhead and Stockport. We look forward to welcoming them amongst us and to our partnership in the Gospel."
The diocesan Chair of the House of Clergy, Rob Munro
"Chester Diocese has always been blessed by gifted bishops, so at a time of great change and challenge for our diocese, I am very much looking forward to seeing how Sam and Julie’s experience and sense of calling will strengthen the team working with Bishop Mark to help us be better equipped to serve our local communities, support the ministry of our local churches and share the good news of Jesus in the future.”
The diocesan Chair of the House of Laity, John Mason
"I am so pleased that Julie and Sam have been appointed to fill the two vacant sees of the diocese, bringing the episcopal team up to strength and thereby providing new impetus for mission. I particularly look forward to working with them on initiatives that are aimed at the laity, such as Everyday Faith, where their experience and talents will be so valuable. They will be warmly welcomed by all of the diocesan family."
Honourary Bishop, Willie Pwaisiho
"We are delighted to welcome our two bishops to the Diocese of Chester and look forward to sharing ministry with them. CONGRATULATIONS to you both my sister and brother in Christ on behave of the Anglican Church of Melanesia your link Province in the Anglican Communion."
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell
“Julie and Sam will bring great wisdom, experience, pastoral sensitivity and missional intent to the Diocese of Chester. I welcome their appointment and look forward to ordaining them as bishops in the Church of God. Bishop Mark and the whole Diocese of Chester are in my prayers, as are Julie and Sam and their families.
“The Church in Cheshire, the Wirral, and parts of Stockport, Trafford, and Tameside face many challenges. I rejoice that God has raised up two faithful servants of the gospel to share in the leadership and oversight of the Church as together we seek to make Christ known and build his kingdom in the world.”