Archdeacon of Hackney Rachel Treweek to become next Bishop of Gloucester

Ven Rachel Treweek, Archdeacon of Hackney

The Church of England has appointed the Archdeacon of Hackney Rachel Treweek as its most senior female Bishop.

The Venerable Rachel Treweek, a former speech therapist, is to become the Bishop of Gloucester – the Church’s first female Diocesan Bishop.

She is the third woman to be made Bishop after The Church of England formally adopted legislation at the end of last year to allow woman to be ordained.

Speaking at the Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester following the announcement Rachel Treweek said: “It is an immense joy and privilege to be appointed as the Bishop of Gloucester.

“I am surprised and, I have to admit, even a little daunted by the prospect, but my overwhelming feeling is one of excitement to be coming to join with others in sharing the love of Jesus Christ with the people of this diocese.

“I am looking forward to encouraging Christians to speak out with confidence about their faith and the good news that the Gospel brings. It will be my privilege to work with churches as we connect with people, wherever they are and whatever their concerns.”

The Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town, the Most Reverend Desmond Tutu, said: “What fantastic news. Wow, how wonderful so soon after Bishop Libby. I’m thrilled for you dear Rachel and I’m thrilled for the Diocese of Gloucester, for the Church of England, for the Church of God and for all of us. Yippee.”

Before being appointed the Bishop of Gloucester, Treweek was a curate at St George and All Saints, Tufnell Park before becoming Vicar of St. James the Less, Bethnal Green in 1999.

She was appointed as Archdeacon of Northolt in 2006 and is the current Archdeacon of Hackney, a role she has had since 2011. Before ordination, Treweek trained as a Speech and Language Therapist.