Coventry welcomes first female Bishop
There was a special service over the weekend to install the tenth person to take on the role
Coventry's first female Bishop has officially been installed during a service at the city's cathedral.
The Right Reverend Sophie Jelley was announced as the tenth person to take on the role back in November, after her nomination was approved by the King.
Bishop Sophie is currently the Suffragan Bishop of Doncaster in the Diocese of Sheffield, and succeeds the Rt Revd Dr Christopher Cocksworth, who left the diocese in November 2023 to become the Dean of Windsor.
Bishop Sophie says: “I am really delighted to be called to serve as the next Bishop of Coventry. With its rich diversity of people and significant heritage of culture and industry, I know there will be great opportunities to join in sharing the story of God’s love with the people of Coventry and Warwickshire.
"Over the past few months, I have enjoyed learning much about the inspiring ministries offered in urban and rural, traditional and pioneering contexts, among people of all ages and backgrounds.
"I so look forward to getting to know the people of the diocese across church, school, chaplaincy, and wider communities.
“The story of Coventry Cathedral, offering a message of forgiveness rather than revenge, has so much to offer our fractured world at this time.
"This gives me great hope for the future as we work together to build on this unique message of reconciliation and make Jesus known more widely.
"I will of course find it incredibly hard to leave Sheffield, the place where I have learned what it is to be a bishop for the church in today’s world. I trust that this has equipped me to be the Bishop that Coventry Diocese needs for the coming years as we work together in faith, hope and love, building safer, kinder communities."