Downing Street has announced that His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of the Rt Revd David Williams as the 17th Bishop of Truro.
David is currently the Bishop of Basingstoke, a position he has held since 2014. Prior to his consecration in 2014, David was a parish priest for over 25 years.
Ordained in 1989, David began his ministry as a curate in Ecclesall, Sheffield Diocese. He was a priest in Dore before being appointed Rural Dean of Ecclesall in 1997. In 2002 he became the vicar of Christ Church in Winchester and was made an honorary canon of Winchester Cathedral in 2012.
On his appointment, David said: “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be coming to the Diocese of Truro. It’s been an astonishing journey, enriched by so many people I’ve met on the way, people who clearly have been praying; people who’ve been seeking wisdom for the future of the church in Cornwall.
“What a remarkable place this is! I’ve worked in and visited Cornwall many times over the last 30 years and each time have come back feeling refreshed and renewed – both spiritually and physically.
At heart a parish priest
I am, at heart, a parish priest. I want to continue working for the flourishing of local churches. The local church is vital to a local community. It’s a place where we encounter God. It’s a place where you’re encouraged and comforted when you’re in trouble. It’s also a place where we are challenged and learn how to live in God’s light.
“So, as I look forward to coming to this place, I wonder if I can ask you to pray with me, as I will pray for you, that we would be faithful to who God is and what he calls us to be. That we would travel together would go on a new adventure together to discover the goodness of God, not in some distant place, but in our own localities. May the Lord bless you.”
David, along with his wife Helen, has been warmly welcomed by the Bishop of St Germans, the Rt Revd Hugh Nelson, who has been acting Bishop of Truro since the departure of Bishop Philip Mounstephen. Bishop Hugh said: “I am delighted by David’s appointment and am looking forward to welcoming him and working with him. His wealth of experience, love of people and deep faith will inspire us on, as we continue to work for a fruitful and sustainable church in Cornwall.”
It is likely that Bishop David will be installed in Spring 2025 when a service to welcome him as bishop will take place.
