THE next Bishop of Newcastle will be Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, Downing Street announced on Thursday morning.

Dr Hartley is currently the Suffragan Bishop of Ripon in the diocese of Leeds, a post that she has held since 2018. Her first episcopal post was in New Zealand, where she served as the Bishop of Waikato from 2014 to 2017.

Dr Hartley began her ministry in the diocese of Oxford after completing a D.Phil. in theology at the University of Oxford, serving her curacy at St Mary’s, Wheatley, and St Mary and St Nicholas, Littlemore.

She combined ministry with teaching at Ripon College, Cuddesdon, before relocating to New Zealand, where she taught at St John’s College, Auckland.

In a statement announcing her appointment, the Archbishop of York said that he was “delighted” that Dr Hartley had agreed to take up the post.

“Helen-Ann brings rich experience and a tremendous passion for communicating the gospel, as well as a deep commitment to championing those often under-represented in our society. Newcastle diocese is truly blessed to have Helen-Ann as its new bishop,” Archbishop Cottrell said.

Dr Hartley, whose thesis concerned the portrayal of work in the letters of St Paul, said that she was “excited” to start her new job in the north-east. “With life-long connections to the whole region covered by the Diocese, I am inspired by the example of the Northern Saints, whose engagement in God’s mission lies deep in the fabric and contours of the land. I am, and will continue to be in this new role, a passionate advocate for the region,” she said.

The Bishop of Leeds, the Rt Revd Nick Baines, said: “It has been a privilege and a pleasure to serve with Bishop Helen-Ann for the last four years. Our loss is Newcastle’s gain, where she will bring many gifts and broad experience to her new responsibilities. She will move on with my gratitude, prayers and blessing.”

Dr Hartley’s installation as the Bishop of Newcastle is expected to take place at Newcastle Cathedral in early 2023.