The King has approved the appointment of the Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry to the Deanery of The King’s Free Chapel of St George, Windsor Castle.

He will succeed the Right Reverend David Conner, following his retirement in August 2023.

Speaking of his appointment, Bishop Christopher said that although it will not be easy to move on from the diocese he has served for 15 years, he is “honoured” to take over Bishop Connor’s ministry.

“The people of Coventry, Warwickshire and our slice of Solihull, together with all our church communities, church schools, chaplaincies, our remarkable cathedral and all our partnerships with so many other churches, charities, faith communities and organisations, will always remain in my heart,” he said.

“Our diocese has taken many forms since its origins 1400 years ago and God has seen us through many changes. I have been strengthened over these months since I was first approached for my new work with the biblical promise that ‘The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do this’. It is a promise for each of us as we walk the way of Christ; and it is an assurance for the Whole Diocese of Coventry that God will lead the Diocese into the future already prepared for this wonderful part of the country in the providence of God,” he added.

Bishop Christopher trained for ministry at St John’s College, Nottingham and was ordained as a priest in 1989.

He was appointed Chaplain at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, University of London in 1992 and served as Director at the Southern Theological and Education Training Scheme (STETS) from 1997 to 2001.

From 1999 he held the additional title of Honorary Canon at Guildford Cathedral and was appointed Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge in 2001.

He will take up his new appointment in November.