THE next deputy lead bishop for safeguarding in the Church of England is to be the Bishop of Tewkesbury, in the diocese of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Robert Springett. He will also be a member of the National Safeguarding Panel, the Theology of Safeguarding Group, and the Safeguarding Programme Board, and attend the House of Bishops. Bishop Springett takes over from the Bishop of Bristol, the Rt Revd Vivienne Faull, whose three-year term is ending, and who is also a member of the Anglican Communion Safe Church Commission. Bishop Springett said on Tuesday that he was looking forward to bringing his 30 years’ experience in parish ministry “to the task of developing a robust and healthy safeguarding culture in the Church”. In his new post, Bishop Springett will work closely with both the lead bishop for safeguarding, the Bishop of Stepney, Dr Joanne Grenfell, and the other deputy lead, the Rt Revd Julie Conalty, who is the Bishop of Birkenhead, in Chester diocese, and focuses on survivor engagement.

Source: The Times January 31, 2024 17:07 UTC