Bishop Trevor Willmott
announced as the new
Bishop of Dover and Bishop in Canterbury
The new Bishop of Dover and Bishop in Canterbury is to be the Right Reverend Trevor Willmott, Downing Street has announced this morning. Bishop Trevor, who has been the Bishop of Basingstoke since 2002, will take delegated responsibility for the oversight of the Diocese of Canterbury on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.
Bishop Trevor commented: "I feel very privileged to be chosen by the Archbishop for this role. There are many exciting initiatives happening in the Diocese such as the new Church sponsored academies, but also there is a real sense of clergy and congregations working hard to reach out to communities. I am enlivened by people and I look forward to meeting and serving communities across the region and acting as a pastor to the clergy of the Diocese".
Bishop Trevor, who in his own words was "given the gift of faith" as a teenager, by an inspiring Christian family, studied for ordained ministry at Westcott House, Cambridge after a first degree in Theology at St Peter's College, Oxford. Following a curacy at St George's Norton in St Alban's Diocese, Bishop Trevor worked in Chaplaincy roles in Oslo then Naples in the Diocese of Europe, and as Officiating Chaplain to H.M. and American Forces in Southern Europe, before returning to England as Rector of Ecton and Warden of Peterborough Diocesan Retreat House; a role he held from 1983-1989.
From 1986 to 1997 Bishop Trevor was Peterborough Diocesan Director of Ordinands and Diocesan Director of Post Ordination Training. He was made Canon Residentiary and Precentor of Peterborough Cathedral in 1989. In 1997 he became Archdeacon of Durham and Canon Residentiary of Durham Cathedral, and in 2002 was consecrated as Bishop of Basingstoke.
During his seven years as the suffragan Bishop of Basingstoke, Bishop Trevor has taken a lead in the areas of social reform, criminal justice and rural affairs, as well as taking particular pastoral responsibility for churches in the North of the Diocese of Winchester. He has been a founding Trustee of the social welfare charity Hampshire Community Foundation and a founding Trustee of Emmaus Hampshire - a charity that cares for the homeless. Bishop Trevor is also the Co-editor of 'Re-shaping Rural Ministry - a Theological and Practical Handbook' - which will be published later this year by SCM.
Bishop Trevor has many national church responsibilities and was elected to the Upper House of the Convocation in the Province of Canterbury in 2005 and is a member of the Business Committee of the Church of England's General Synod.
On his plans for Canterbury Diocese, Bishop Trevor commentated: "I will use my first few months to listen to the opportunities and challenges facing the Diocese and to discern what God wants us to do. I will challenge, encourage and celebrate with the people of the Diocese as we look for new ways of being the church in Kent."
Commenting on Bishop Trevor's appointment, Archbishop Rowan said: "I am very pleased indeed to welcome Bishop Trevor to the Diocese. He is an experienced pastor, with a powerful vision for the Church in contemporary society, and also a wise and reflective person who will bring great depth to our conversations and plans in Canterbury. I hope he and Margaret will be very happy here, and greatly look forward to our work together."
Recalling when he received the news of his appointment (via a telephone call from the Archbishop of Canterbury) Bishop Trevor described his reaction: "My first reaction was of absolute joy and delight but also of unworthiness that the Archbishop of Canterbury should consider me for this important role."
The appointment of Bishop Trevor follows the announcement of the intention to retire at the end of November by the current Bishop of Dover, the Right Reverend Dr Stephen Venner.
Commenting about Bishop Trevor's appointment, Bishop Stephen said: "I am delighted both personally and professionally at the news of Trevor's appointment to succeed me as Bishop of Dover. He has been a friend for many years, and I know him to be a Godly, loving and faithful colleague. Professionally, Trevor brings a breadth of experience in the Church and in the world which will equip him to lead the diocese "forward together towards 2020". I shall leave the Diocese in good hands."
On hearing news of the appointment, The Dean of Canterbury Cathedral, the Very Reverend Robert Willis said: "We are delighted to welcome Bishop Trevor to Canterbury. He has great experience of ministry in Cathedral environments, and everyone here at the Cathedral looks forward to his joining us as we offer hospitality and friendship to thousands of visitors and pilgrims each day."
Bishop Trevor is married to Margaret, who works as a school finance consultant. They have one grown up daughter, Elizabeth, a Hydrogeologist who lives in Bristol.
Bishop Trevor, who describes himself as "a real foodie who enjoys cooking", says he is looking forward to living in Kent - particularly eating oysters at Whitstable, drinking fine English wine from the Weald and visiting the Hop Festival at Faversham! Bishop Trevor's other interests include gardening and sport and he is anticipating many happy hours following the progress of the Kent Cricket Club.
Bishop Trevor will be installed and welcomed as Bishop of Dover and Bishop in Canterbury on Saturday 6th February at Canterbury Cathedral.
Ends
Further information from: Emily Shepherd, Director of Communications 07876 210 446, 01227 459 401 eshepherd@diocant.org"
Photo shows Bishop Trevor at a baptism and confirmation service
in Portsmouth Cathedral in 2005.
download photograph