The Venerable Dr Joanne Woolway Grenfell, currently Archdeacon of Portsdown, has today been announced as the Diocese of London’s next Bishop of Stepney, an area covering the boroughs of Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets.

Joanne is the current Archdeacon of Portsdown in the Diocese of Portsmouth. Her life in the Church of England has taken her from outer housing estates and inner city parishes, chaplaincy, diocesan ministry, and cathedral outreach, through to her current strategic role as archdeacon.

Joanne will formally take up her post in September 2019, after her consecration in July, and will join the College of Bishops in the Diocese of London. 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 Rt Rev and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London, said:

“This is a hugely exciting appointment for London. 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.”

The Venerable Dr Joanne Woolway Grenfell, Bishop-designate of Stepney, said:

“It is a joy and a privilege to be asked to become the next Bishop of Stepney and to live in this gloriously diverse and creative part of the capital. I am looking forward to listening to local people to learn what is already happening here, and to discerning how I can best support churches to be confident, growing communities as they live out the good news of the gospel. There are particular opportunities and challenges here – empowering young people, celebrating each other’s many gifts, seeking the common good, working across different communities – and I am excited at the thought of being part of God’s work, with others, across Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets.”