Consecration date confirmed at last for new Bishop of Doncaster

The Rev Canon Sophie Jelley, former Director of Mission, Discipleship and Ministry in the Diocese of Durham and Canon Missioner at Durham Cathedral, will be consecrated by the Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, assisted by the Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler and the Bishop of Sheffield, Pete Wilcox.

On the same day, Monday September 21, the Rev Dr Andrew Emerton, former Dean of St Mellitus College, London, will be consecrated as Bishop of Sherwood in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.

Archbishop Stephen said: “I rejoice and I am looking forward to the consecrations of Bishop Sophie and Bishop Andy in York Minster. May God bless these, His servants and friends, as they embark on the next stage of their vocations as Bishops in the church of God.”

The Bishop of Sheffield said he was “relieved and excited” to now have a date for the consecration, which was delayed by the pandemic since March 25.

He added: “Sophie has inhabited the role of Bishop-designate to full effect, but it will be such a joy to welcome her fully into her episcopal ministry. I am especially glad that it will enable her to share collegially with me in the ordination of our priests and deacons at the end of September.

"I am also delighted that this will be Archbishop Stephen’s first consecration at York Minister and I look forward to the occasion immensely.”