THE Bishop of Taunton, the Rt Rev Ruth Worsley has been sent to Coventry for the next 12 months.

She will take up a secondment in November as acting Diocesan Bishop of Coventry while a new bishop is appointed for the city diocese, a process which is expected to take a year.

The move follows the retirement of the Bishop of Warwick, the Rt Rev John Stroyan, and the appointment of Coventry Bishop the Rt Rev Dr Christopher Cocksworth as the Dean of Windsor.

Bishop Ruth will continue to be the Bishop of Taunton, as she did when she was acting Bishop of Bath and Wells, but will be based in Coventry. 

She will be supported in Coventry by Bishop of Loughborough the Rt Rev Saju Muthalaly as an assistant bishop in the diocese.

Bishop Ruth said: “As I depart on this secondment, I would like to express my thankfulness for everyone in Bath and Wells for all the love and support I have received.

“It has been eight years of huge changes, exciting innovations, and, of course, a transition to a new diocesan bishop. 

“I am very grateful for all that I have learnt here which I am sure will stand me in good stead as I move to support the Diocese of Coventry in their time of need.

“In Bath and Wells we are blessed with a fabulous team of archdeacons and lots of retired bishops who were a great support to me when I was acting Bishop of Bath and Wells and I know they will prove to be so for Bishop Michael in my absence.”

The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Michael Beasley, said: “As a diocese we always seek to support our friends in times of need and were happy to help when Bishop Ruth’s wisdom and experience was called on to help guide the Diocese of Coventry through this period of transition.

“She did an excellent job here in Bath and Wells in holding the episcopal interregnum before my arrival and I am therefore intensely proud that Ruth has been the obvious person for Coventry to turn to.

“I ask that we pray for her and the people of the Diocese of Coventry as they navigate this time together.”

Bishop Ruth will still be seen about in the diocese before taking on the new role, including leading the diocesan Confirmation Service in Wells Cathedral on November 4 and the clergy Pre-Advent Retreats from November 7 to 9.