The new Bishop of Crediton will be the Venerable Moira Astin.
Her appointment was announced by Downing Street after her nomination was approved by the King.
Moira is currently the Archdeacon of Reigate in Southwark Diocese, a role she has held for nine years.
She said “I’m looking forward to getting to know the people and places of Devon. Our churches, whether in a village, new town, seaside resort or city centre, are still the heart of their communities and I look forward to praying with and encouraging them as they tell in word and action of God’s transforming love”
Decades of practical experience
The Bishop of Crediton serves the whole of Devon, but has a particular care for North Devon, Mid Devon and East Devon.
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison, said “I am delighted that Moira is joining the diocese as the new Bishop of Crediton. She brings decades of practical experience of ministry in various roles as well as being a theologian, published author and natural teacher.
“Her passion for supporting parochial ministry, her pastoral gifts and her evident Christian spirituality will enrich the Diocese of Exeter and I am greatly looking forward to working with her.”
Moira was born in 1965 and grew up in Staines in Surrey. She went to Clare College, Cambridge, where she studied Natural Sciences specialising in Geology. After some years working in computing, she went to Wycliffe Hall, Oxford to train for ordained ministry.
Her curacy was at Newbury in West Berkshire, in Oxford Diocese, followed by five years as Team Vicar in nearby Thatcham. She was then Vicar of St James in Woodley near Reading, before moving to North Lincolnshire where she served as Vicar of Frodingham and New Brumby, in the heart of Scunthorpe, and as Area Dean of North Lincolnshire.
Interest in British church history
She teaches church history and doctrine and has recently published The Missing Ending: Rediscovering the Joy of the Ascension
Moira is married to Timothy, and they have one son, Edmund (Ed).
She enjoys birdwatching, geology and is researching the history of the Church in England between 400AD and 600AD.
“I am particularly looking forward to getting to know some of Devon’s historic churches and seeing again the amazing geology of some areas of North Devon, like the Hartland Peninsula and the Valley of the Rocks, near Lynton. I’m also looking forward to discovering the places where our British Christian forebears worshipped.” she said.
Announcement day tour
Moira will spend her announcement day on a tour of her episcopal area, visiting the churches and communities of Westward Ho! Appledore, Crediton and St Peter’s CofE Secondary School in Exeter, before attending Evensong at Exeter Cathedral.
She will be consecrated a bishop by the Rt. Rev’d Sarah Mulally, Bishop of London, on 3 July at St Paul’s Cathedral in London.
Bishop Sarah was the first female Bishop of Crediton.
There will be a service of welcome for bishop-designate Moira on Sunday 6 July at Exeter Cathedral.