A significant appointment for the Church of England Birmingham, the Reverend Canon Esther Prior was announced as the new Bishop of Aston on 12 December 2024.
The announcement, coordinated with Downing Street, was made during a warm gathering at Birmingham Cathedral, marking the beginning of an eventful day of introductions across the city and region.
The Dean welcomed faith leaders, clergy, lay ministers, CofEB staff and well wishers to Birmingham Cathedral, followed by an introduction from The Rt. Revd Dr Michael Volland, Bishop of Birmingham. Speaking to the assembled congregation, Esther acknowledged the challenging times currently being faced by the Church of England while expressing unwavering trust in Jesus to "complete the work he has begun." Her personal journey to faith, which began through ‘persistent’ Christmas church invitations and resonates with her hope for the role of suffragan bishop, particularly regarding church growth. For Esther, "growing" is fundamentally about "having a heart for people who don't know Jesus," noting that the diocese’s streets are filled with such individuals. Additionally Esther was keen to express her commitment to flourishing clergy and lay ministers, who for her are at the centre of such ministry and mission. Esther’s approach reflects a leadership style grounded in personal connection and practical ministry.
The new Bishop's appointment day included a series of visits to a small snapshot of the diverse communities amongst whom she will serve. Following the cathedral announcement, with Bishop Michael, Esther was hosted by Christchurch School, where she was welcomed by a class of pupils in their chapel. During the visit the students we’re invited to ask questions about her new role and gave Bishop Michael and Esther a sneak preview of their Carol service planned for that evening, featuring some very talented singers.
The afternoon continued with a visit to St Barnabas, Erdington, where Esther and Bishop Michael toured the high street and engaged with local community members over lunch. The day concluded at St. Mary's, Pype Hayes, where they witnessed a children's and families drop-in session run by Urban Devotion.
This appointment marks a new chapter for both Esther's family and the CofE Birmingham, with Bishop Michael acknowledging that such transitions involve both losses and new beginnings.
At Bishop Michael’s invitation, shortly after her announcement as the next Bishop of Aston, Esther shared a homily reflecting on the words of Elizabeth from the fourth Sunday of Advent readings. In a touching moment during the cathedral ceremony, Esther offered a prayer of thanksgiving for, "the new family God has gifted me to love.”
Revd Canon Esther Prior is the 11th suffragan Bishop of Aston.
Esther is to be consecrated bishop in the early part of 2025, taking up her new office in the Spring.
You may be in contact with the Aston office, via Rosie Evans - Executive Assistant to the Bishop of Aston.
All media enquires should be made to the Director of Communications.
For further details visit Bishop of Aston page.