It’s an incredibly proud moment for Gloucester Cathedral as the esteemed Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester, is named the next Bishop of Salisbury.
The news was announced by Downing Street on Thursday 13 January 2022, after the Queen approved the Dean of Gloucester’s nomination for election as the new Bishop of Salisbury.
Dean Stephen is set to take up his new ministry in April 2022, leaving his position as Dean of Gloucester after 11 successful years serving the Diocese of Gloucester and the city’s iconic Cathedral.
Under his leadership, Gloucester Cathedral has undertaken major conservation works and regeneration projects, transforming the building and its grounds through the delivery of the Project Pilgrim initiative – a 10-year programme that aims to make the landmark a better place for visitors of all faiths.
Dean Stephen has overseen the cathedral’s growth into a welcome space for everyone, as both a place of worship and one of Gloucestershire’s most celebrated cultural sites – as well as leading it through the Coronavirus pandemic.
A testament to his hard work, the cathedral was voted SGGLA Cultural Venue of the Year in both 2020 and 2021 by SoGlos readers, in addition to being awarded the accolade of SGGLA Business of the Year in 2021.
Commenting on his appointment, Dean Stephen said: ‘Somewhat to my surprise, but with confidence in God, I am being called to be the next Bishop of Salisbury. The past 11 years in Gloucester have been an unqualified joy with the cathedral, the city and the diocese all growing in confidence and reach. We shall leave Gloucester in April, and it will always be a special place in our hearts.
‘A cathedral is more than just a building and is only ever as strong as its community. I have been extremely fortunate to lead an effective team of staff and volunteers while working alongside some truly extraordinary partners over the last decade. I am immensely proud of the journey we have shared – it has been a privilege to be part of it. Please continue to support your cathedral.’
Upon his appointment, Dean Stephen will become the 79th Bishop of Salisbury, following a long line of precedents that dates back to the very first appointment of St Osmund in 1078.
In time, he will also be Bishop for the Channel Islands, after it was agreed that the process for linking the Balliwicks of Jersey and Guernsey to the Diocese of Salisbury should begin in 2020.
Locals can attend his last Sunday preaching at Gloucester Cathedral on Sunday 3 April 2022, before he begins his new ministry.
