The Reverend Barry Hill, currently Strategy Development Enabler in the Diocese of Leicester, has today been announced as the next Suffragan Bishop of Whitby in the Diocese of York, following the retirement of The Right Reverend Paul Ferguson.
The official announcement from Downing Street, by approval of His Majesty the King, was made at 10am in the Chapel at Bishopthorpe by Stephen Cottrell, The Archbishop of York, where Barry was joined by his family, before spending the day visiting communities across his new archdeaconry.
As Suffragan Bishops in the Diocese of York, the Bishops of Whitby, Hull and Selby minister alongside the Archbishop of York.
The next Suffragan Bishop of Selby was also announced today as The Reverend Canon Doctor Flora Winfield, following the retirement of The Right Reverend Doctor John Thomson.
The Bishop of Whitby holds a particular responsibility for the care of the people, parishes and clergy in the Archdeaconry of Cleveland, which stretches from Thirsk north to Middlesbrough, along the coast to Whitby, and south to Pickering.
Additionally, the Bishop of Whitby will lead the Diocese of York’s priority of Growing Younger and More Diverse, ensuring this is understood and woven into the whole diocesan mission and ministry, and will serve as Chair of the Board of Education with a particular care for the 121 Church of England schools in the diocese.
Barry’s ministry to date has been within the Diocese of Leicester. He was ordained in 2005 and served his curacy in Loughborough, focusing on youth and student ministry and leadership development.
In 2009, he was appointed Diocesan Mission Enabler, supporting clergy and lay leaders across the diocese’s 320+ worshipping communities, in areas of parish renewal and mission, vocations, discipleship and training.
In 2017, he took up the dual roles of Team Rector in the large and diverse benefice of Market Harborough and as Diocesan Resourcing Church Enabler.
Most recently, he has worked as our Diocesan Strategy Development Enabler, leading the discernment and drafting of our diocesan strategy, with a focus on growing younger and more diverse.
Barry is a trustee of a large multi-academy trust with a particular passion around support for those with special educational needs and disabilities, is part of the Archbishops’ College of Evangelists, a member of General Synod, and has worked with the national team on various projects as a member of the Mothers’ Union.
Barry is married to Stephanie (known as Pep), who is also ordained, and is father to Greg and Katy. Their dog, Tilly, is considered the ‘fifth member of the household’.
Reflecting on his appointment, Barry said: “I’m excited, if a little daunted to be taking on the role! I am conscious of following someone of great faith, wisdom, and generosity of spirit in Bishop Paul and am looking forward to serving parishes and working with colleagues in helping us see more of how God is at work across our communities.
“After 20 years, it will be hard leaving the parishes and people of the Diocese of Leicester whom I have grown to love very deeply, but I am excited by what God no doubt has in store across the beautiful diversity of the archdeaconry of Cleveland and the wider diocese, especially as we seek to grow younger and more diverse.”
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: “I’m delighted that Barry Hill has agreed to come and serve with us here in the York Diocese as Bishop of Whitby. Alongside the new Bishop of Selby, he will be consecrated on the feast day of Saint Paulinus - the first Bishop of York in the 7th century - and I hope this will be a sign of the missionary purpose he will bring to our life in Christ. Both are hugely gifted and experienced; they are people of depth and faith.
“Barry will bring huge energy to work and ministry with children, young people, families, and schools. He has also served as part of the leadership team of the national prayer movement, Thy Kingdom Come.”
The Right Reverend Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester, added: “Barry has been a part of the Diocese of Leicester for nearly 20 years and while we will be very sorry to say goodbye to him, we are also very pleased that God has called him to be Bishop of Whitby in the Diocese of York.
“As well as helping us develop our diocesan strategy, Barry has also overseen our Resourcing Church programme and been Diocesan Mission Enabler. He has worked with a variety of schools and has a real concern for growing the numbers of children and young people involved in churches.
“We give thanks to God for his vision, energy and passion for the Gospel, and we pray for him and his family in this significant transition.”
The consecration of the Bishop of Whitby (alongside that of the Bishop of Selby and the Bishop of Sodor and Man), will take place on 10 October 2024 at York Minster, further details to follow.
Barry’s wife, The Revd Pep Hill, will be stepping down from her role as Associate Priest for Evangelism Development with the Harborough Anglican Team in the Diocese of Leicester.
Pep and Barry will move to Middlesbrough at the end of August ready for Katy to start a new school, with Pep continuing to minister remotely until the end of September.
There will be an opportunity to give thanks for Pep’s ministry at a bring and share BBQ on Monday 26 August in Great Bowden. All are welcome. Please check the Harborough Anglican Team newsletter for further details.
Reflecting on his faith journey, Barry said: “Over the years we have known God’s faithfulness through good times, like seeing people coming to faith and churches grow in serving their communities, and through challenges such as facing miscarriages, long covid and cancer. Throughout all, God’s faithful love in Jesus Christ has been clear; woven through all, making life whole.”
