New Bishop of Bath and Wells named
The Right Reverend Michael Beasley has served in his current role as Suffragan Bishop of Hertford since 2015
Last updated 28th Apr 2022
The Right Reverend Michael Beasley has been named as the next Bishop of Bath and Wells.
The seat has been vacant since May 2021, following the retirement of Peter Hancock - who had been in the position since 2014.
Ruth Worsley, the Bishop of Taunton, has been action Diocesan Bishop since 1 September 2020, when Hancock took sick leave.
Bishop Michael has served in his current role as Suffragan Bishop of Hertford since 2015.
He has shared his joy in becoming the 80th Bishop of Bath and Wells: "I am delighted to be coming to be the Bishop of Bath and Wells and to joining with everyone in the diocese as together we live and tell the story of Jesus.
"We have strong family connections with Somerset and I’m very much looking forward to working alongside its people, communities and churches.
"We have all been through a challenging few years. The COVID pandemic pushed us all apart. Now is the time to come back together. Our churches have an essential role in helping us rebuild communities and in facing the challenges present to us both internationally and at home.
"Jesus’s message is one of peace – a peace I’m looking forward to sharing and pursuing as I join you as your bishop."
Michael was educated at Imperial College, London and Oriel College, Oxford and trained for ministry at Cranmer Hall, Durham. He served his title in the Parishes of Newport, Chetwynd and Forton in the Diocese of Lichfield and was ordained Priest in 2000.
Michael became Chaplain of Westcott House, Cambridge in 2003 whilst also working as Senior Programme Manager for The Partnership for Child Development, a research group in the Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at Imperial College, London.
In 2008, he was made Vice Principal and Tutor in Mission at Westcott House and Director for The Partnership for Child Development. In 2010, he became Director of Mission, in the Diocese of Oxford and was appointed Honorary Canon of Christ Church Cathedral, Oxford in 2014.
As part of today's announcement, the newly appointed Bishop of Bath and Wells will be making a number of visits across Somerset, starting at St Mary's Church of England School in Bridgwater.
Michael will end his visit at Wells, where he will meet members of the diocese’s support staff team at Flourish House, before attending Evensong at Wells Cathedral.