The Rt Revd Claude Berkley, Bishop of Trinidad and Tobago, visited the Church of England Birmingham diocesan region for a four-day visit, from Friday 16 June. Bishop Claude was hosted by The Rt. Revd Anne Hollinghurst, Bishop of Aston and Acting Bishop of Birmingham.
Bishop Claude met with the Lord Mayor of Birmingham, Councillor Chaman Lal, for conversation in acknowledgement of the issues concerning racial justice and how migration has enriched and contributed to our city and nation.
He also met with the CofE Birmingham Racial Justice Board to discuss Windrush75 and the acute importance of racial justice, internationally, as well as visiting local parishes and attending various Birmingham Windrush75 anniversary events and services.
Birmingham Cathedral held a special Windrush75 Evensong on Sunday 18 June, where Bishop Claude's sermon address was warmly received.
The 22nd of June 2023 marked the 75th anniversary of the HMT Empire Windrush arriving on England’s shore, bringing over 800 passengers from the Caribbean. Bishop Anne‘s June Reflection, available on the CofE Birmingham YouTube channel, considers this acutely significant moment that went on to shape modern Britain.
Born in 1957, Claude Berkley began his career as a primary school teacher in 1977 in Windward, Tobago. Among his academic achievements is a Master of Philosophy degree in Contextual Theology at the University of Birmingham.
In 1993, Father Berkley was ordained as a priest. He was made a Canon in 2001, and in October 2010 he was elected as Coadjutor Bishop in the Diocese of Trinidad and Tobago and he was consecrated Bishop in 2011 at a ceremony at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity in Port of Spain.
He was married, now widowed, and has two daughters Fayola and Safiya. He is also a proud grandfather of one.