The British Government has announced the current Archdeacon of Bristol, the Venerable Neil Warwick, as the next Bishop of Swindon.
On Thursday, Downing Street shared that the King had approved Ven Neil to succeed Retired Reverend Dr. Lee Rayfield as leader of the Diocese of Bristol following his retirement.
Speaking after the announcement, Venerable Neil said, “I’m delighted at the prospect of being the Bishop of Swindon, in a Diocese I love and at an exciting time in its life. My prayer is that I can embody the values of the diocese—openness, creativity, generosity, and bravery—as I serve the churches and communities in Swindon and North Wiltshire.”
Having done ministry training at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, Venerable Neil was ordained in 2006 at Peterborough Cathedral. He studied geography at the University of Nottingham and worked in the transport industry and overseas development with World Vision.
Reacting, the Bishop of Bristol,Retired Reverend Vivienne Faull, said: “The appointment of Neil to be Bishop of Swindon enables the whole of the Diocese to benefit from Neil’s gifts as a changemaker. He attracts others to the Christ he serves through his deep faithfulness, his broad sympathies, and his enjoyment of the overflowing life God brings.
“I am so glad Neil will continue to be at the heart of Transforming Church. Together, and that we caught him before he was enticed elsewhere!” Ven Neil will take up his role as Bishop of Swindon in November.