New Bishop of Thetford named as Venerable Ian Bishop

The Venerable Ian Bishop, currently Archdeacon of Macclesfield in the Diocese of Chester, knows Norfolk well as he has previously served as a vicar of Tasburgh, Tharston, Saxlingham Nethergate, Shotesham, Newton Flotman and Swainsthorpe.

He said: “I want to be a pastoral bishop who comes among the people of Norfolk and Waveney with kindness and love, and an ability to listen well. 

“I want to be a missional bishop, to help you grow your church where you are and to nurture the green shoots of growth that you see locally.

“We have very many happy memories of Norfolk.” 

The Ven Bishop was born and brought up in Devizes in Wiltshire and worked as a chartered surveyor.  

He was ordained as a deacon in 1991 and became a priest the following year. He became the Archdeacon of Macclesfield in January 2011. 

He will be returning to Nelson’s county with his wife Sue. Together they have three sons.

The Ven Bishop will be ordained as a bishop in Westminster Abbey on Friday, September 29, followed by a service of welcome at Norwich Cathedral on Saturday, September 30 at 5.30pm. All are warmly invited. 

The Rt Rev Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, said: “I have been impressed by how he recognises the importance and challenge to reach children and young people with the Gospel of Christ, and in recent years has prioritised encouraging mission in communities where poverty is a lived experience.” 

The Ven Bishop succeeds The Rt Rev Alan Winton, who retired in April 2023. 

Following the announcement, the Bishop of Thetford designate toured some of the Archdeaconry of Thetford including Preston primary school in Tasburgh, where his children attended and where he previously served as chair of governors, the Pathways Café in Great Yarmouth and Great Yarmouth Minster, St Mark’s church in Oulton Broad and Cloverfield community church in Thetford.

The tour concluded with a short service at St Cuthbert’s church in Thetford.