New Bishop of Grimsby announced

The Diocese of Lincoln is pleased to confirm that 10 Downing Street has today named The Venerable Jean Burgess as the next Bishop of Grimsby.

Jean is currently the Archdeacon of Bournemouth in the Diocese of Winchester and brings a wealth of experience in mission, ministry and leadership. She has previously served as an archdeacon in the Diocese of Manchester, where she played a pivotal role in transformative change including the revitalisation of urban churches.

On Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 December, Jean will tour parts of the diocese who will benefit from her care and oversight. She will visit various parishes, schools and churches as well as meet the diversity of people and communities building God’s kingdom in Greater Lincolnshire.

Jean will serve alongside the Bishop of Lincoln and the Bishop of Grantham in the leadership of the diocese. As the Bishop of Grimsby, she will have particular care and responsibility for the north of the diocese. She will also take a lead on mission and evangelism for the whole diocese. As the chair of the Diocesan Board of Education, she will work with schools and colleges to see young people in the area develop and thrive.

She was ordained priest in 2004 and has ministered in varied contexts, serving her curacy in Church Gresley, Priest-in-Charge and then incumbent at St Alkmund and St Werburgh in Derby. Jean also held the portfolio roles of Dean of Women for the Diocese of Derby, Honorary Canon at Derby, Manchester and Winchester Cathedrals and Assistant Archdeacon (2017) in the Diocese of Derby.

Speaking about her appointment, The Venerable Jean Burgess said:

“I am deeply honoured and excited to be joining the diocese for this new season ahead.

“Having spent my ministry serving in a variety of communities, I am very much looking forward to getting to know the people and places which make the diocese so special.

“I once heard a former Archbishop of Canterbury say, ‘It’s all about Jesus’, and that has been the central calling of my vocational journey.

“My heart is for building relationships, listening to stories, and working together to see our communities seek God’s Kingdom and flourish. I am eager to serve alongside my colleagues and to support the mission and growth of this vibrant diocese.

“It is a privilege to walk this journey alongside others who I will be serving and serve alongside, and I can’t wait to see what we will accomplish together.”

The Bishop of Lincoln, The Rt Revd Stephen Conway, said:

“I am thrilled that the King has approved our appointment of Jean as an episcopal colleague to serve with Bishop Nicholas and myself. I offer my warmest congratulations.

“Jean brings a rich range of experience of leadership in mission and in her reflective practice. She is a wise pastor and teacher whose passion for the gospel of Jesus is evident to all.

“I have every confidence that we shall be complementary in our shared ministry, bringing different gifts and outlooks that are woven with integrity and joy.”

The Bishop of Grantham, The Rt Revd Dr Nicholas Chamberlain, said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Jean has been appointed as the new Bishop of Grimsby and am very much looking forward to working with her.  

“Her heart for people and love of the gospel is evident in her extensive and varied ministry to date. They will be welcome gifts to the people of Greater Lincolnshire.  

“I look forward to sharing in a new and highly collaborative, all-encompassing leadership team which serves the whole diocese.”

Jean was born in Derby and was a nurse prior to ordination. She trained for ordination via the East Midlands Ministry Training Course and holds a master’s degree in theology and pastoral studies from Nottingham University.

She became a Christian as a teenager through her local parish church, and it was the church community’s abounding love for Jesus that changed her life. She is passionate about seeing people across generations come to know the person of Jesus and the difference it makes.

She has been married to Graham for over 40 years, and they have three children and six grandchildren.

Media Contact

Steven Tune – Communications Officer (Diocese of Lincoln):

Email: Steven.tune@lincoln.anglican.org

Phone: 07483 410259

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