The new Bishop of Stepney has been ordained and consecrated by the Archbishop of Canterbury in a service in St Paul’s Cathedral.

The Rt Revd Dr Joanne Woolway Grenfell, previously Archdeacon of Portsdown, now officially takes up the role of Bishop of Stepney, an area covering the boroughs of Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets.

As well as her role for the Stepney Area, she will be the lead bishop for social responsibility and, along with the Bishop of London, take a lead for safeguarding.

The sermon was given by The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Lord Williams of Oystermouth, Master, Magdalene College Cambridge.

The Rt Revd Dr Joanne Woolway Grenfell, Bishop of Stepney, said:

“Since the announcement in May that I was to be the next Bishop of Stepney, I’ve been looking forward with joy to being part of God’s work in this diverse and vibrant part of the capital. Today’s consecration service was incredibly moving and powerful, and I am grateful for the presence with me of family, friends, and colleagues. I ask for your prayers for the next stage of my journey in this great city.”

The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London, said:

“Joanne is a person of prayer and theological reflection.  She is a person committed to spiritual growth, with an understanding and love of the diversity we see across London. I am sure she will provide inspirational Christian leadership across the Stepney Area, and across the capital as a whole.”