Adapted from the Archbishop of Canterbury’s website
The Rt. Rev. Timothy Thornton, Bishop of Truro, has been appointed the new Bishop at Lambeth. He will take up the post in September, replacing the Rt. Rev. Nigel Stock, who is retiring.
His duties at Lambeth will include supporting the Archbishop of Canterbury’s work in the House of Bishops, General Synod, and the Archbishop’s Council. He will also be heavily involved in the Lambeth Conference 2020, and take on the role of Bishop to the Forces.
Thornton became Bishop of Truro in 2009. During his time as bishop he co-chaired an inquiry into food banks that led to the report Feeding Britain [PDF], and was president of the Royal Cornwall Agricultural Association. He is chairman of the Development and Appointments Group, which oversees the leadership development work among senior clergy.
“It has been a privilege to serve as bishop in this very special part of the country,” Thornton said. “I have especially enjoyed being part of the wider life of the county and community, as well as working with wonderful colleagues to implement a strategy for discovering God’s kingdom and growing the church.
“It will of course be a real sadness to leave Cornwall. However, I am very much looking forward to working with the staff at Lambeth, and thinking about how we continue to embed Archbishop Justin’s priorities of prayer, evangelism, and reconciliation into the life of the Church of England and the Anglican Communion.
“I am particularly interested in the archbishop’s emphasis on spirituality and prayer, and seeing how the incredible work of Thy Kingdom Come continues to flourish.”
“I am delighted to be welcoming Bishop Tim to Lambeth Palace,” Archbishop Justin Welby said. “He brings a wealth of experience to the role. He already has extensive knowledge and understanding of the College and House of Bishops, and a heart for those on the margins of society, who are often overlooked. His work on Feeding Britain demonstrates his range of ability and skill in bringing people together.”
Bishop Thornton and his wife, Sian, have two children and three grandchildren.
