Alison White appointed Bishop of Hull

Her Majesty the Queen has appointed the Revd Canon Alison White, Priest-in-Charge of Riding Mill in the Diocese of Newcastle and Diocesan Adviser for Spirituality and Spiritual Direction, as the Bishop Suffragan of the See of Hull in the Diocese of York.

Alison White

Alison is married to Bishop Frank, Assistant Bishop of Newcastle, and they have served in a variety of appointments since they were ordained in the 1980s.  Alison taught at Cranmer Hall, the theological college in the University of Durham and was also a member of the Archbishops’ Springboard Team working in England and other countries between 2000 and 2004.

The Whites are moving their family home to Hull and Bishop Frank will continue to serve the Diocese of Newcastle from the office of the Assistant Bishop of Newcastle in Jesmond. 

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said: “This is a joyous day! I am delighted to be welcoming Alison as the next Bishop of Hull.  Whilst she will be working with others across the Diocese of York encouraging faith in urban life, she will have particular responsibilities for the vibrant city of Hull and the glorious coastline and countryside of the East Riding.  Alison is a person of real godliness and wisdom – it is fantastic that she has accepted God’s call to make Christ visible together with all of us in this Diocese of York.”

Alison White said: “In 2010, I was privileged to be invited to take part in the York Diocesan Clergy Conference where I got a profound sense of a Diocese with faith and hope.  I know that there is a real vision to be Generous Churches Making and Nurturing Disciples and can’t wait to be part of loving God and growing the Church in this great part of Yorkshire”.

Bishop elect Alison and Bishop Frank White, with
Archbishop John sentamu

Bishop Frank White welcomed Alison’s appointment, saying, “I believe that Alison will be an outstanding bishop and we are delighted at this appointment.  It will be a great day when Alison is ordained and consecrated as a bishop in the stunning setting of York Minster on July 3rd. 

“She combines a deep personal spirituality with clear vision, great energy and a lightness of touch which will serve her very well.  She has a great sense of humour and she knows the scale of the task to which God is calling her.

“God’s call comes in unexpected ways and we were both surprised by this invitation.  We look forward to the adventure of exploring our callings in two different dioceses.

“We have always treasured our days off and we’ll be making sure that we spend as much time together as possible.”

The Rt Revd Martin Wharton, who retired as Bishop of Newcastle in 2014, said, “I am thrilled that Alison’s priestly and personal gifts have been recognised by the wider church and believe she will be an outstanding bishop who will quickly endear herself to the people of Hull and the East Riding.

“As the second woman to be appointed Bishop in the Church of England, we rejoice with her and pray for her.”

Alison White succeeds the Rt Revd Richard Frith, who became Bishop of Hereford in November 2014.

Above is from the Diocese of Newcastle. Diocese of York's statement here. Thinking Anglican;s here (with comment)