THE Diocese of Salisbury – which will include the Channel Islands from later this year – has appointed a new bishop.
The Very Rev Stephen Lake (58), who is currently Dean of Gloucester, takes over the new post from the Right Rev Nicholas Holtam, who retired in July. Mr Lake trained for the ministry at Chichester Theological College and was ordained as a priest in 1989.
He became vicar of St Aldhelm’s Church in Branksome in Poole from 1992 and was appointed Rural Dean of Poole in 2000.
In 2001 he was appointed Sub-Dean of St Albans, and took up his role in Gloucester in 2011.
He is married to Carol and they have three adult children.
The Dean of Jersey, the Very Rev Mike Keirle, said: ‘I am excited that Stephen Lake is to be the next Bishop of Salisbury, especially as we look ahead to being attached formally to the diocese in the coming months, and as we continue to deepen our relationship with Salisbury.
‘Stephen brings significant gifts to the role, not least his warmth and sense of humour, as well as a wealth of experience of more than 30 years in ministry.
‘I am really looking forward to working with him and welcoming him to the Island as our new bishop in due course.’
The Deaneries of Jersey and Guernsey is in the process of joining the Diocese of Salisbury – at which point Mr Lake will become the Bishop for the Channel Islands.
Mr Lake: ‘It is such a privilege and a joy to be called back to the Diocese of Salisbury as bishop.
‘To be able to serve in the places that formed me will be something rare and special. I hope to lead a confident diocese as we move out of the pandemic together.
‘After today, preparations can begin for this new ministry in the diocese and in due course with the Channel Islands, and I look forward to arriving just as soon as possible.’
