The Bishop of Birmingham, Dr Michael Volland, will be consecrated at Canterbury Cathedral on Thursday 30 November 2023, beginning his public ministry in the diocese of Birmingham later in the new year.
Dr Volland said,
‘I am looking forward to meeting people, making friends, and getting to know the city and region. As a Christian leader, I am excited about the prospect of joining in with what God is doing in Birmingham and the West Midlands. I have been praying consistently for the people of the city and whole region, especially for those whom life is a challenge. I believe the gospel of Jesus Christ is good news for all people. God cares deeply about these wonderful places, communities and people, and I look forward to playing my part in God’s hopeful future for the city and region.
I am praying for God’s kingdom to come in Birmingham, for growth in love, compassion, and unity among Christians of all denominations, and ever strengthening relationships with those of other faiths as well as those who profess no religious belief. I also pray for many people to discover the lifegiving joy of following Jesus, and for a renewed confidence in the churches through their ministry and missional work of loving and serving those around them. I value your prayers for myself and for my family as we prepare to move into a new and exciting season in our lives’.
On the consecration of her newcolleague, Bishop Anne commented,
‘A consecration is always a moving occasion. In the service, fellow bishops, including myself, will join with the Archbishop in “the laying on of hands” on the new bishop’s head - an ancient practice accompanied by prayer calling upon the Holy Spirit. It is an occasion on which all bishops are reminded of their calling to “proclaim the gospel boldly, confront injustice and work for peace in all the world”. I am looking forward to sharing with the newly consecrated Bishop Michael in this ministry across Birmingham and region.’
Biographical details : The Bishop of Birmingham
Dr Volland grew up in Reading where he attended a state secondary school. After a foundation course in Art and Design, he spent three years studying sculpture at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle. He has been Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge since January 2017 and was on the staff of Ridley, developing contextual training and teaching pioneer ministry for a year before that. He has served as President of the Cambridge Theological Federation and as Chair of the national TEI Principals Steering Group.
Before moving to Cambridge, Dr Volland led the East Durham Mission Project, working with parishes in former mining communities as well as serving as Area Dean of Easington. Alongside this, he taught mission to ordinands at Cranmer Hall in Durham and was chaplain to Durham Army Cadet Force. Prior to this, he served his title post at Gloucester Cathedral and pioneered a fresh expression of church in the city centre. Before ordination Dr Volland spent six years as a youth and children’s worker in parishes in Slough and west London.
Dr Volland is married to Rachel and together they have three children (21, 18, 15). He is a keen runner and participates regularly in road races and long-distance events, recently completing his 13th ultramarathon. Dr Volland is looking forward to taking part in the Great Birmingham Run in May 2024. He says, ‘Running is a gift from God. It creates space to think, pray and be refreshed and it gives me a lot of joy.’
An follow up article published 4 December is now available, reflecting the full details of the Consecration Service, here
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