Church of England to Appoint First Urban Faith and Life Bishop

A new bishop has been appointed by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York who will work to encourage and support the dissemination and implementation of the Faithful Cities report.

The well-received report by an ecumenical and interfaith Commission initiated by the Church of England argued that millions of pounds have been poured into Britain's city and urban areas in recent years but the resultant growth has still forced many to the margins and dramatised the gap between the 'super rich' and the poorest.

The Faithful Cities report also stressed the need for regeneration to concern itself with more than just the built environment and economic targets and include provisions that would address human and spiritual needs.

The Rt Rev Stephen Lowe, Bishop of Hulme, will play a key role in the process to address the findings of the report, promoting close relationships between the Church of England, Government and other national agencies working to improve the quality of life and well-being of urban communities.

Bishop Stephen will work closely with the Urban Bishops' Panel as they promote and resource the development of strategies for urban mission to bishops and dioceses in light of Faithful Cities.

He will also prepare the ground for close collaboration with different ecumenical partners and other faiths in areas brought out in the report.

Bishop Stephen said: "I am delighted to take up this challenge. I have spent all my ministry in urban areas and know how important it is for congregations and clergy to feel that the joys and problems they face are understood by the wider church and nation.

Bishop Stephen's new role is set to refresh urban mission and its existing formats as he will be looking for fresh expressions of the Church's mission and ministry in urban areas.

Bishops and dioceses will not be unsupported in this, however, as Bishop Stephen help develop the skills among the clergy and laity needed to carry out fruitful mission specifically urban contexts.

"Faithful Cities provides an agenda for nation and church about creating 'the good city'. I hope that my appointment will give some additional energy to the mission of the Church in urban areas in partnership with dioceses, parishes, other Christian denominations and other faiths. I also hope that we can engage government, local, regional and national, about the values that should be found in urban regeneration."

Announcing the appointment, the Most Rev and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, Archbishop of York, said: "We are grateful to the Church Commissioners and the Bishop of Manchester for making this happen. Bishop Stephen has a great depth of experience in urban ministry which equips him perfectly for this role as an Episcopal pioneer for the Church in this important area of our work. I have little doubt that over the next three years he will make a significant impact on urban life and faith and will lead the Church in its service to those in urban areas."

Bishop Stephen will work with the Church's national adviser on urban affairs, the Rev Dr Andrew Davey, as well as advisers to the Archbishops and staff of the National Church Institutions, to develop a national strategy for urban mission. He will remain as chair of the Urban Bishops Panel of the House of Bishops.

The Bishop for Urban Life and Faith will begin his new role on 1 November.