ONE of our former Archdeacons has been appointed as the new Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, it was announced today.

Downing Street announced today that the Rt Rev Joanne Grenfell, who was Archdeacon of Portsdown from 2013-19, would be the new Church of England diocesan bishop for Suffolk. 

Bishop Joanne, who is Area Bishop of Stepney in the Diocese of London, and also the lead bishop for safeguarding in the Church of England nationally, succeeds the Rt Revd Martin Seeley, who retired recently.

She said: “I am honoured to be called to this role, this is a beautiful diocese, with truly lovely people, and a grounded Suffolk sense of service and humility.

“I had the privilege of preaching at the Aldeburgh Festival a couple of weeks ago, and I know I have so much to learn and understand about Suffolk. What I’m already discovering is how warm and welcoming people are. I’m excited about getting to know Suffolk and its people better."

Bishop Jonathan has paid his tribute to Bishop Joanne, who will become the first female diocesan bishop in Suffolk. He said: "I am delighted for the people of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich diocese. We will continue to hold Joanne, James and their family in our prayers as they prepare to move from Stepney."

And Bishop Graeme Knowles, who is currently acting bishop and was also Archdeacon of Portsmouth in the 1990s, said: ‘We are delighted with the appointment of Joanne who will bring with her a rich mixture of experience in the Church. This includes her invaluable insight into safeguarding where since 2023 she has been lead bishop for safeguarding and chair of the National Safeguarding Steering Group. 

"Joanne will take up her position in Suffolk later this year and in the meantime we will be making preparations in the diocese to ensure a smooth handover and a very warm Suffolk welcome."