THE next Suffragan Bishop of Grimsby, in Lincoln diocese, is to be the Ven. Jean Burgess, the Archdeacon of Bournemouth since 2023, Downing Street announced on Wednesday.

She succeeds Dr David Court, who retired in July, having served since 2014 (News, 14 February).

Archdeacon Burgess was born in Derby and became a Christian as a teenager through her parish church. She is a former nurse and holds a master’s degree in theology and pastoral studies from Nottingham University. She took the East Midlands Ministry training course, and was ordained priest in 2004.

She served her title at St George and St Mary, Gresley, and a second curacy at St Alkmund and St Werburgh, Derby, of which she became incumbent in 2013. She also served as Derby Diocesan Dean of Women’s Ministry, and in 2016, was appointed an honorary canon of Derby Cathedral.

She moved to Manchester diocese in 2018 as Archdeacon of Bolton, and then became Archdeacon of Salford in 2020, before moving to Winchester diocese three years later to serve in her current post.

Archdeacon Burgess said on Wednesday that she was “deeply honoured and excited” by her appointment to Grimsby. “I once heard a former Archbishop of Canterbury say, ‘It’s all about Jesus,’ and that has been the central calling of my vocational journey. . .

“My heart is for building relationships, listening to stories, and working together to see our communities seek God’s Kingdom and flourish. I am eager to serve alongside my colleagues and to support the mission and growth of this vibrant diocese.”

The Bishop of Lincoln, the Rt Revd Stephen Conway, said that she “brings a rich range of experience of leadership in mission and in her reflective practice. She is a wise pastor and teacher whose passion for the gospel of Jesus is evident to all.”

Archdeacon Burgess has been married to Graham for more than 40 years. They have three children and six grandchildren.