New Bishop of Sodor and Man announced

Patricia Hillas will be consecrated in October

The new Bishop of the Diocese of Sodor and Man has been announced.

The Venerable Patricia Hillas will take over the role left vacant by Reverend Peter Eagles, who retired in October after six years in post.

The next Bishop, who likes to be known as Tricia, is currently Archdeacon and Canon of Westminster and also Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

Born in 1966 in Kuala Lumpur to an Indian mother and British father she moved to the UK with her family in 1971.

In a statement, posted on the Archbishop of York's website this morning, Tricia says: '“‘Gem of God’s earth’, ‘Seabound Kingdom’, and much-loved place ‘between the hills and the sea’; these evocative descriptions only begin to touch on the beauty and heart of the Isle of Man.

'After many years visiting as a guest I am thrilled to be called to make my home there, along with Andrew my husband, and to serve the Island and all her people as the next Bishop of Sodor and Man. As Bishop I am keen to get to know people of all ages and from all parts of the Island and to be known by them.

'I eagerly look forward to being part of a church and wider community which have deep roots in faith, going back over 1,500 years, and which at the same time are moving ahead into God’s future.

'I hope we shall treasure the traditions of the past whilst looking to the new opportunities ahead. I have encountered at first hand the warmth and faithfulness of Christians on the Island. Now I look forward to joining with them in living and sharing the transforming love of God for all. 

'We are of course made and shaped by the many significant people who surround us. I would therefore like to express my thanks to all on the Island, in the Westminster Parliament, at Westminster Abbey and those who took part in the discernment process, who have been so supportive and inspiring.'

Tricia will be consecrated on Thursday 10 October in York Minster and be installed in the Cathedral at Peel later in the year.

Her appointment comes amid ongoing debate as to the future of the Bishop's vote in Tynwald - a private members bill to take away that power is currently with the Legislative Council.