10 Downing Street has today (29 April 2020) announced the names of the new bishops of Horsham and Lewes to serve as suffragan bishops in the Diocese of Chichester.

The Revd Ruth Bushyager, currently Vicar of St Paul’s, Dorking in the Diocese of Guildford will serve as Bishop of Horsham.

The Revd William Hazlewood, currently Vicar of the United Benefice of Dartmouth and Dittisham in the Diocese of Exeter will be the next Bishop of Lewes.

The Bishop of Chichester, Dr Martin Warner, said it was “a very significant day in the life of the Diocese of Chichester. It is the outcome of prayer, across the diocese and beyond, that has sustained us in this complex and demanding appointment process.

“The announcement of who will serve as Bishop of Horsham and Bishop of Lewes now comes as a joyful pledge of hope and confidence in the Church’s mission beyond the painful restrictions that responding to the Coronavirus pandemic demands of us.

“We gladly open our hearts to Ruth and to Will, and to the wonderfully diverse gifts and experience they will bring to our apostolic life, as we welcome them and their families into this household of faith.”

Today’s digital announcement in the Chichester Diocese is the first virtual introduction of new bishops since the current lockdown began. A video launch, hosted by the Bishop of Chichester during which he welcomes his two new colleagues, can be viewed below. For more information see https://www.chichester.anglican.org/