Overview
- Downing Street announced that His Majesty approved the nomination of the Venerable Richard (Rick) Simpson, confirmed through the Durham Crown Nomination Commission process.
- Simpson will succeed the Right Reverend Paul Butler, who retired in February 2024 after which Bishop Sarah Clark served as Acting Bishop before being named Bishop of Ely.
- Currently Archdeacon of Auckland, Simpson has served the region since 2006, including as Priest-in-Charge at St Brandon’s, Brancepeth, and as IME2 lead for Durham and Newcastle.
- The bishop-designate was publicly introduced at the Angel of the North, and he said he aims to represent the North East’s needs in the national church and the House of Lords.
- Durham Diocese says his installation will take place this summer at Durham Cathedral, with short-term episcopal arrangements to be announced soon.