THE next Suffragan Bishop in Europe is to be Canon Andrew Norman, Director of Ministry and Mission in Leeds diocese, Downing Street announced on Friday.
He will succeed the Rt Revd David Hamid, who retired earlier this yr (News, 8 September 2023). His responsibilities will include chairing the diocese’s Ministry Team and being the lead bishop for safeguarding.
Canon Norman, who was trained for ordination at Ridley Hall, Cambridge, was ordained deacon in 1995, and priest in 1996. He previously had worked for De La Rue, a business printer of banknotes.
He served his title at St Michael’s, Paris, and was then Assistant Curate of Christ Church, Clifton, in Bristol diocese, for 2 years. In 2002, he was appointed the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Assistant Secretary for Ecumenical and Anglican Communion Affairs, before, in 2005, being promoted to Archbishop’s Principal Secretary for International, Ecumenical and Anglican Communion Affairs.
In 2008, he became the Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, a post that he held for eight years. He took up his current appointment in 2017.
Canon Norman said on Friday: “I’m delighted to be returning to the diocese where I served my curacy. Being Suffragan Bishop on this vast and interesting diocese is an exciting in addition to a frightening prospect.
“In partnership with other Churches in Europe, there’s wonderful potential for nurturing Christian faith and witness. I’m really looking forward to coming alongside our chaplaincies in all their glorious diversity, so we are able to rise together to the challenges and opportunities ahead, in faith-filled and imaginative ways.”
The Bishop in Europe, Dr Robert Innes, said: “Andrew has a fantastic number of experience and gifts in theology, ecumenical work, and strategic development which might be highly relevant to our diocese. I’m sure he will likely be a sensible senior colleague and an encouraging pastor to our clergy and congregations.”
The diocese in Europe said in a press release: “The plans for Andrew’s consecration in England after which installation at Holy Trinity Cathedral, Gibraltar, are being finalised at present. These events are prone to be on the very end of February and the primary weekend of March.”
Canon Norman is married to Amanda, who works for the Leprosy Mission and is a licensed lay minister. They have two adult daughters.
