James Treasure has been announced by Downing Street as the next Bishop of St Germans in the Diocese of Truro. James is currently Rector of Dudley and Resource Church Leader at Top Church.
James was ordained priest in 2017 and was previously a leader in a free church before his move back to the Church of England. He brings with him a wealth of experience in community engagement and growing congregations. At Top Church he has spearheaded a major redevelopment and mission project, supported by significant grant funding, to revitalise the historic Grade II* listed building and expand its parish outreach.
James said:
“Although I’m sad to be leaving my friends in Dudley, I am excited to have been appointed as the Bishop of St Germans. Truro is a beautiful diocese and I’m looking forward to discovering more of its worship, its communities, and its faithful presence in every place. I have very much enjoyed my time in the Diocese of Worcester and am hugely grateful for the ways it has formed me as a priest.”
Bishop Martin said: “James Treasure was one of the first people I met when I was being shown round our diocese for the first time. James, Esther and the team at Top Church were so inspiring. A tough area, an iconic building in dire need of repair. and a group of Christian people who loved the place and its people and longed to being it alive for God. It is no exaggeration to say that meeting James and Top Church that day made me feel God could be calling me to Dudley too. May God bless James and Esther as the move to Cornwall, and may their memory be a blessing in Dudley.”
The previous Bishop of St Germans was our own Bishop of Worcester, Hugh Nelson. He said: “Cornwall and the Diocese of Truro have a precious place in my heart, and they will be richly blessed by James. His move will be a huge loss to Top Church and our Diocese, but I am delighted for the people, communities and churches of Cornwall that they are welcoming such a gifted, humble and faithful new bishop.”
There will be a chance to say goodbye to James, Esther and their family before they move to live in the Diocese of Truro later in Spring. He will be consecrated as a Bishop on 1 May in St Paul’s Cathedral, London, after which he will formally take up his seat in Truro Cathedral in a service on 10 May at 4.30pm.
