Bishop of Dudley handed role of Acting Bishop of Worcester

Bishop Martin Gorick was commissioned yesterday (Wednesday) and he will take on the role in addition to his duties as Bishop of Dudley following the retirement of the Bishop of Worcester – the Rt Revd John Inge.

The commissioning took place at Evensong at Worcester Cathedral, where Bishop Martin was prayed for by the Dean of Worcester, Stephen Edwards, and anointed with oil. He received the Bishop of Worcester’s crozier which was laid down by Bishop John Inge on his retirement.

Bishop Martin Gorick commissioning as Acting Bishop of Worcester (Image: James Atkinson / Diocese of Worcester)

Bishop Martin said: “I have been Bishop of Dudley for almost five years now, and will happily remain so, while also carrying out some wider duties. It won’t be possible to do everything on my own, and I will be ably supported by colleagues as I make a number of adjustments so that I can properly focus on the needs of the Diocese, its clergy and people.”

The process to find the next Bishop of Worcester has already started and a diocesan ‘statement of needs’ has been developed following consultation with people throughout the Diocese.

A spokesperson for the Diocese added: “There is now a period of discernment with potential candidates shortlisted next May and interviewed in June. It is hoped an announcement about a new Bishop of Worcester will be made in July 2025.”