Downing Street has announced the appointment of the next Bishop of Willesden.
The Reverend Canon Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy was ordained in 2008 and is currently Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Mission and Ministry Enabler in the Diocese of Leicester.
The official announcement came while Canon Lusa visited Twyford School, a Church of England School in Acton. Sixth form students at the school had played a role in deciding his appointment by judging sermons from shortlisted candidates. They welcomed Lusa and the Bishop of London, the Right Reverend Sarah Mullally at a special assembly, with Alice Hudson, Executive Head Teacher of Twyford CofE Academies Trust.
Canon Lusa was ordained in 2008 and served as an Assistant Curate in the Diocese of Canterbury before becoming Vicar of St Aidan, Gravesend in 2012. In 2017 he was appointed BAME Mission and Ministry Enabler in the Diocese of Leicester, where he oversaw an increase in representation and participation of those from UK Minority Ethnic (UKME) backgrounds in the life and structures of Leicester Diocese.
He's been appointed to his new role to bring expertise in increasing representation and participation of UKME communities in Leicester to London.
He'll be consecrated Bishop in January and succeeds the Right Reverend Pete Broadbent who served for 20 years. The Bishop of Willesden has oversight of the London boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Harrow and Hillingdon.
Revd Canon Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy said:
"It is a real privilege to be called to join the work that God is doing in Willesden. I am eager to experience the wealth of diversity in heritage and culture that make up the communities of West London. I look forward to strengthening existing bonds across churches and the wider community, as we tackle together some of the big issues facing us all. As the next Bishop of Willesden, my hope is to share the love of Jesus with confidence, compassion, and imagination.
"It has been a pleasure to meet the school children responsible, in-part, for my appointment. I hope that I can deliver on their faith in me. I will, of course, carry with me precious memories of life and ministry in the diocese of Leicester, especially the gifts of curiosity, attentiveness, and generosity."
The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE said:
"It is a joy to join with Lusa and his family today as this announcement is made. I know we will all learn and benefit from Lusa's leadership and wisdom as we welcome him into our Diocese. It is fitting that we have heard the news today at one of our own church schools, Twyford Church of England High School, where some of the students helped in the selection process for the new Bishop. It is for them, and for every Londoner, that we spread the Good News, as part of our 2030 Vision."