Archdeacon Martin to become the next Bishop of Dudley
The Archdeacon of Oxford, the Ven. Martin Gorick is set to return to the Black Country as the next Bishop of Dudley, Downing Street announced today.
The Ven. Martin Gorick
As well as his role as Archdeacon, Martin is the Residentiary Canon at Christ Church College and Cathedral. From 1994-2001, Martin was Vicar of Smethwick Old Church and Area Dean for the Black Country Deanery of Warley. He has also worked as Chaplain to the former Bishop of Oxford, Richard Harries. A full news report on Archdeacon Martin’s new appointment is available on the Diocese of Worcester’s website.
Martin has responsibility for the churches and clergy in the city of Oxford, as well as being Diocesan Interfaith Adviser. He has held strategic responsibility for growing new congregations of all shapes and sizes across Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. He has been overseeing a £5 million bid to support church revitalisation and planting, fresh expressions of church and pioneering ministry in major new housing areas.
Martin has always enjoyed the Church of England’s connections with people and places outside the church and oversees and supports the work of over 100 chaplains in prisons, schools, colleges, military bases and hospitals.
The Bishop of Oxford, Dr Steven Croft, said: “Martin has served with real distinction for six years as Archdeacon of Oxford and Residentiary Canon of Christ Church. He has a passion for mission and for the Church of England to be a church for everyone. Martin has been a wise colleague in the Oxford Area and across the Diocese in his work with chaplains and on engagement with other faiths. He has pioneered and led our diocesan strategy for forming new congregations. Martin is a prayerful, gentle and wise pastor and has become a good friend. He will be a great gift to the clergy and people of the Diocese of Worcester as Bishop of Dudley. As a Diocese and Cathedral, we will miss Martin and Katherine very much, but our prayers and love go with them in the joys and the challenges of Martin’s new role.
Information regarding the appointment process and news of the Acting Archdeacon during this vacancy will be published in the coming days.
Notes to editors:
Requests for interviews should be made to Samantha Setchell, Press Officer for the Diocese of Worcester and the Bishop of Worcester
Email: ssetchell@cofe-worcester.org.uk Tel: 07852 302516
When Martin became Archdeacon of Oxford we ran this God in the Life Of interview which gives a more in-depth overview of Martin’s faith journey, life and career.