On Tuesday 28 January, Martin Gorick will officially become the next Bishop of Dudley, in a special service at Southwark Cathedral. Martin will be ordained and consecrated as a bishop by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The Archbishop will explain the role of a bishop asone who is called to serve and care for the flock of Christ; to nurture God's people in the life of the Spirit and lead them in the way of holiness and to proclaim the gospel boldly, confront injustice and work for righteousness and peace in all the world. He will also ask Martin if he is ready to devote himself to this new ministry.
Martin said:
I'm delighted to be joining Bishop John and the people of Dudley along with all across the Diocese of Worcester as we discover together how best to be the Church for England in this new decade. As a Black Country bishop I look forward to the church playing its part in the regeneration of Britain's heartland in the West Midlands, and to working in partnership withall people of good will.
As Bishop of Dudley, Martin will work alongside the Bishop of Worcester across the Diocese. Bishop John said:
Becoming a bishop is an exciting new step in Martin's faith journey. I pray for God's rich blessing on Martin and his wife Katharine as they prepare to join us here. I am looking forward greatly to working with the new Bishop in growing God's Kingdom throughout Worcestershire and Dudley.
Martin will be formally welcomed to the Diocese of Worcester on Saturday 22 February at a service at Top Church, Dudley at 4pm and then installed in Worcester Cathedral at Evensong at 4pm on Sunday 23 February. His ministry in the Diocese will begin after these services.
Martin comes to the Diocese of Worcester from being Archdeacon of Oxford and Residentiary Canon of Christ Church. He has also been Vicar of Shakespeare's Church in Stratford-upon-Avon where he was also Chaplain to the Royal Shakespeare Company and was Vicar of Smethwick Old Church and Area Dean for the Black Country Deanery of Warley.
Martin was born in Liverpoolin 1962, and grew up in Nottingham. He read Theology and Religious Studies at Selwyn College, Cambridge 1981-4. He enjoys sport, especially football,supporting Liverpool and Notts County. He values walking, gardening, travelling and birdwatching. Martin is married to Katharine, who is County Lead for Visual Impairment in Oxfordshire and they have three adult children.
All are welcome to the services to welcome Martin to the Diocese in February. If you would like to attend, please email leonie.andrews@cofe-worcester.org.uk.
ENDS
