We at the Church of England Birmingham are delighted to welcome Revd Canon Esther Prior as our next Bishop of Aston. Esther comes to this role with a heart full of faith, a wealth of experience, and a deep love for people.
Her journey has been shaped by a passion for building thriving communities that reflect the love of Jesus. As we prepare for this new chapter, we are excited to see how her leadership and energy will enhance our mission throughout this vibrant city and region.
The Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Rev Dr Michael Volland said,
‘I am delighted to announce Esther’s appointment, and I thank God for sending her to be among us as the next Bishop of Aston. Esther is a person of lively faith in Jesus Christ and comes to us with a breadth and depth of ministerial experience. Her gifts will be a great blessing to the people of Birmingham and the wider region. Esther shares my vision for abiding in Christ, understanding that it is only as we do this that we can bear fruit in our parishes and oversight areas. I look forward to serving alongside Esther and I am confident she will be a wise and encouraging senior colleague to our clergy and congregations. Please do join me in praying that God will bless and strengthen her and the family, as they prepare to join us in the new year.’
Esther comes to this diocese in the Midlands from the Diocese of Guildford, where she is currently serving as the Vicar of St John’s Egham.
Esther expressed her enthusiasm about joining the CofE Birmingham, saying,
"I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the Bishop of Aston. Faith in Jesus Christ—especially in this Advent season—motivates me to look forward with hope and joy. I look forward to getting to know and love the communities of the Church of England Birmingham in the months to come."
We invite you to join us in prayer and celebration as we welcome Esther and her family and look forward to all that God has in store for us together.
Revd Canon Esther Prior will be consecrated as Bishop in 2025, and begin her ministry with the Church of England in the first part of 2025.
Welcome, Revd Canon Esther Prior!
Enquiries can be made via email to the Bishop of Aston’s office, here.