Posted on 12th Mar
The Rev Dr Andrew Emerton, Dean of St Mellitus College, has been appointed as the next Bishop of Sherwood in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.
St Mellitus College is one of the largest of the Church of England’s theological training institutions with a growing reputation for pioneering approaches to training.
Andy has been involved with St Mellitus since its earliest days, joining the staff team as Assistant Dean in 2008 and becoming Dean in 2015.
As Suffragan Bishop, Andy will work closely with the Diocesan Bishop, the Rt Rev Paul Williams, in overseeing the mission and ministry of the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham.
“It is a huge privilege to be called to serve as a bishop in the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham,” said Andy.
“It will be a delight to work with Bishop Paul and the clergy and lay leaders of the diocese to contribute to the vision for Growing Disciples and to help build confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ across a diverse range of churches and local communities. I am excited and hopeful about this next stage of ministry.”
Bishop Paul said: “I am very pleased that Andy Emerton will be joining us to serve alongside dedicated clergy and congregations making the good news of Jesus known in every community around the Diocese.
“As a fellow bishop sharing in the leadership of the diocese, we can be hopeful and confident that across our 300-plus churches and 75 church schools, in collaboration with other churches and partners, we may continue to make a bigger difference for the benefit of all who live and work in our great county and city of Nottingham.”
“Andy brings with him considerable experience from 12 years supporting the nurture and development of hundreds of women and men of all ages called to ordained and lay leadership within a diversity of church contexts and traditions.
“His gifts in shaping and releasing vocations and new models of ministry, of formation and training, and his support in the wellbeing and flourishing of all leaders and their people will be a great blessing across our diocese.
“I know Andy will receive a very warm welcome to the East Midlands where he will find there is a creative and dynamic culture bringing growth and new opportunity to an exciting and expanding region of the country.”
Andy grew up in the North West near Chester and was educated at York University, and Queen’s College, Oxford and has a background in scientific consultancy and youth ministry prior to training for ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge. He served his title curacy at Holy Trinity Brompton in the Diocese of London and was ordained Priest in 2006.
Andy will succeed the Rt Rev Tony Porter, who retires on 22nd March, with a special service of farewell to him and his wife Lucille in Southwell Minster at 3.30pm.
Andy will be consecrated as bishop by the Archbishop of York on Ascension Day 21st May 2020 at 11am in York Minster. He will continue to serve St Mellitus College until the end of the academic year, while also preparing to engage in the life and ministry of the diocese from July, prior to the family moving to Nottinghamshire over the summer.
