Dean welcomes appointment of new bishop for the islands

after the Queen approved his nomination as the next Bishop of Salisbury.

The Bishop of Dover was given interim oversight of the island in 2014, but the islands have been moving to be attached the Diocese of Salisbury.

This will allow the Bishop of Salisbury to also be the Bishop for the Channel Islands.

Dean of Guernsey the Very Rev. Tim Barker welcomed the appointment.

‘I am delighted that Stephen Lake is to be the next Bishop of Salisbury and that he will be the Bishop for the Channel Islands,’ he said.

‘He has shown great interest in the Channel Islands and understands the distinctive nature of the two bailiwicks and how the relationship between the church in the islands and the wider Church of England can be to our mutual benefit.

‘I have enjoyed working with Stephen on one of the committees of the Church Commissioners, and appreciate his warmth, humanity and sense of humour.’

Mr Lake trained for ministry at Chichester Theological College and is returning to his roots with this appointment.

He grew up in Poole, held his curacy at Sherborne Abbey with Castleton and Lillington and was ordained priest in 1989. He became Vicar of St Aldhelm’s church, Branksome, Poole, from 1992 and was additionally appointed Rural Dean of Poole in 2000.

In 2001, he was appointed Sub-Dean of St Albans, and took up his current role as Dean of Gloucester in 2011.

Mr Lake is a church commissioner and leads on safeguarding for the deans of the English cathedrals.

In responding to his appointment, he said it was a privilege to take on the role.

‘After today, preparations can begin for this new ministry in the diocese and in due course, with the Channel Islands, and I look forward to arriving just as soon as possible.’