It has been announced today that the Venerable Dr Fiona Gibson is to be the next Bishop of Taunton in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.
Fiona is currently the Archdeacon of Ludlow in Hereford Diocese. She moved to the Diocese of Hereford in 2021 when she became the first woman to hold the post. She has served as Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education and was elected as one of our House of Clergy representatives to serve on General Synod.
Before coming to the Diocese of Hereford, Fiona served as a vicar in the parishes of Cople, Moggerhanger and Willington in St Albans Diocese where she was ordained in 2011.
Fiona said of her appointment. “I am deeply honoured to have been chosen to be the next Bishop of Taunton, and am very much looking forward to working alongside Bishop Michael and the team and learning how God is at work in the churches, schools and communities of the Diocese of Bath & Wells as I move to Somerset in the New Year.
I can’t pretend it won’t also be a wrench to leave the Diocese of Hereford. This is a very special place to live and serve God, and I have come to love the people and places here. I am deeply grateful to Bishop Richard, my colleagues and all the clergy and laity of the Diocese for having made me so welcome and taught me so much. Those lessons will go with me into my new role as will many happy memories.
As I look forward with hope and excitement to all that lies ahead, please be praying that I will always and only seek to abide in Christ and to serve and lead in the strength of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.
Bishop Richard said. “Fiona has made an enormous contribution to the life of our diocese as Archdeacon of Ludlow and as a member of General Synod. She is passionate, thoughtful, strategic and pastoral. We will miss her enormously. However, I am delighted that her gifts will now be a blessing to others as she has been a blessing to the parishes and schools she has served. The invitation to become a Bishop serving with Bishop Michael in the Diocese of Bath and Wells is an enormous privilege. Fiona is obedient in following the call to serve God in this role. I will be praying for her as she make the move.”
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