The Rt Revd Mark Tanner has been named by Downing Street as the next Bishop of Chester, succeeding the Rt Revd Dr Peter Forster who retired in September 2019.

Bishop Mark is currently the Bishop of Berwick in the Diocese of Newcastle, a post he has occupied since 2016.

“It will be hard to say goodbye to the North East,” he says, “however, Lindsay and I are really excited to return to Chester where I was ordained, and both of our children were born.” Bishop Mark served as curate of our neighbouring Parish of Upton St Mary’s from 1998-2000. Following his curacy, he took up a post of Vicar in Doncaster until 2007 when he moved to a parish in Ripon . He later became warden of Cranmer Hall, a theological college in Durham where he served until becoming Bishop of Berwick.

Mark says: “It is an honour and a joy to be appointed to the Diocese of Chester at such a key time in the life of our communities, nation, and Church. In Christ, God offers a gift of hope beyond our imagining; there is no greater joy or privilege than enabling others to step into this freedom and life, whether in deeply practical service or beautiful wonder and worship. God is here for all."

Bishop Mark and his wife, Lindsay, were introduced to the diocese online via a series of live-streamed events on 12th-13th May. Recordings of these events can be accessed through the diocese of Chester website. The events which can be accessed include a recording of Bishop Mark answering questions put to him by women in ministry from across the diocese in a meeting chaired by our Rector Revd Christine.

Bishop Mark has said that he looks forward to getting to know the people and communities of the diocese of Chester from the coast to the Pennines, we look forward to welcoming him to the diocese and hope that he will come to visit us in Woodchurch at the earliest opportunity.

Bishop Christine, the Bishop of Newcastle says: “It has been a real joy to work with Mark as a key member of the team here. I have appreciated his friendship and counsel, his kindness and a great sense of fun, and most particularly, his focus on those whom we are called to serve as Christ’s church today. He has been instrumental in helping us establish our Resource Church and imagine new possibilities in terms of ministry and mission. I know the Diocese of Chester will be blessed through his ministry there.”

Adapted from the announcement on the Diocese of Chester Website by Revd Christine 

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