New Bishop of Grimsby Begins Ministry

6th February, 2026

The Rt Revd Jean Burgess has been consecrated as the new Bishop of Grimsby by the Archbishop of York during a special service at Southwark Cathedral, marking a historic moment for the Diocese of Lincoln.

The service marks the start of Jean’s episcopal leadership of the north of the Diocese of Lincoln since she was announced last year. Jean is the first woman to become a bishop in the diocese.

Bishop Jean was consecrated alongside The Rt Revd Fiona Gibson who is now the Bishop of Taunton in the Diocese of Bath and Wells.

Previously Archdeacon of Bournemouth in the Diocese of Winchester, Jean brings extensive experience from parish ministry and diocesan leadership.

Jean will now call the diocese her home after already having the opportunity to meet the diversity of peoples and places which are now under her care and oversight. She will serve alongside the Bishop of Lincoln and the Bishop of Grantham through shared leadership responsibility.

Further important duties will include leading on mission and evangelism for the whole diocese, and as the chair of the Diocesan Board of Education she will work with schools and colleges to see young people develop and thrive.

Bishop Jean will be formally welcomed into her role with a special service in the diocese taking place soon. More details will be shared on the Diocese of Lincoln website and social media channels in the coming weeks.

The Archbishop of York, The Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, said:

“We warmly welcome Jean as the new Bishop of Grimsby and give thanks for her faithful calling to serve God’s people.

As she begins this new season of ministry, we pray for wisdom, joy and strength, and for God’s blessing on her leadership in mission, evangelism and pastoral care.

May her heart for Jesus, relationships and community help the diocese to flourish.”

Speaking about her consecration, the Rt Revd Jean Burgess said:

“It is a moment of great honour to be blessed by the archbishop into this new ministry. I am eager to inhabit what God is calling me to and to diligently serve the people who call the diocese home.

This will be exciting time as we learn and grow together, and my heart is set on building relationships that are held together in the love of Christ.

The journey the diocese is travelling on, which puts mission and growth at the heart of seeking God’s kingdom, is incredibly encouraging and I am fortunate to be part of it.

I am excited to continue meeting and working alongside all those who are proclaiming the gospel in and through their lives, as well as reaching out to those who have yet to discover the beautiful grace of being held by God.”

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

“I am overjoyed to witness Jean become a bishop in our diocese. She will bring an energy and enthusiasm that puts people at the centre, shares the gospel with gusto and leads by listening.

The Bishop and Grantham and I are very much looking forward to serving collaboratively with Jean. The communities she will represent should be reassured that Jean is bringing an excellent array of gifts and abilities that put God’s kingdom at the centre of any decision, conversation or action.

I offer my most fervent congratulations to Jean and encourage everyone to support her with their prayers as she settles into her bishopric.”

Find out more about Bishop Jean’s life and ministry here.