In November 2024, His Majesty The King approved the appointments of the Revd Canon Dave Bull as the next Bishop of Buckingham and the Revd Canon Mary Gregory as the next Bishop of Reading.
Follow their journey from Bishops Designate through consecration and installation to becoming the new Bishops of Buckingham and Reading.
Jump to...
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The announcement - November 2024
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Getting to know the bishops designate - December 2024
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Getting ready for consecration - February 2025
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The consecration - February 2025
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The welcome - March 2025
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The installations - March 2025
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Stay tuned for what's next...
The installations
8 and 20 March 2025
On Saturday 8 March the Bishop of Buckingham was installed as a member of the College of Canons at Christ Church Cathedral Oxford. On Thursday 20 March, it was Bishop Mary's turn to be shown her seat in the Cathedral. Both were joined by family and friends for the momentous occassion.
Welcome to... Berkshire!
3 March 2025
Hundreds of Berkshire well-wishers joined Bishop Mary as she delivered her first sermon as Bishop of Reading. During the service, Bishop Mary was presented with symbols of her ministry before making her oath of canonical obedience.
Representatives from the Berkshire community welcomed Bishop Mary including the High Sheriff, Mortimer St Mary's School and Reading Inter-faith Community. Andrew said: “We know you will use this voice to advocate for those who are poor and marginalised in our community… for this we are grateful. These are big responsibilities indeed but please know our whole community is here to support you.”
Welcome to... Buckinghamshire!
1 March 2025
It felt rather fitting that it was St David’s Day as Buckinghamshire people gathered to welcome their new bishop, the Rt Revd Dave Bull at All Saints, High Wycombe.
Hundreds of people attended the special service including the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshire Lady Howe, the Mayors of High Wycombe, Marlow and Amersham as well as Cllr Mimi Harker, chairman of Buckinghamshire Council. Children also played a central role with nine-year-old Joshua from Bishop Dave’s former church All Saints, Marlow, standing before the congregation to receive Bishop Dave.
The consecration
27 February 2025
There were cheers and applause to consecrate Bishop Mary Gregory and Bishop Dave Bull at Canterbury Cathedral. The service, during which the Revd Canon Mary Gregory was consecrated as the new Bishop of Reading and the Revd Canon Dave Bull as the new Bishop of Buckingham, was led by Archbishop of York at Canterbury Cathedral.
Watch the consecration on YouTube.
Archbishop Stephen Cottrell said:
“It was a real privilege to consecrate Mary and Dave... Each of them brings a wealth of skills and experience to their new role. The Church will be richly blessed by their ministry."
Consecration Eve
26 February 2025
Ahead of their consecrations at Canterbury Cathedral, Bishops Designate Mary and Dave share some final thoughts and prayer requests.
Bishop Designate Dave Bull on becoming a bishop
5 December 2024
Getting to know Mary and Dave
5 December 2024
If you could invite one person from the Bible or Christian history to dinner, who would it be?
M: Zacchaeus. I’ve always really wanted to know about what happened when Jesus went to his house. What was said? What led to his change of heart? (Actually, the not-knowing is good too – an invitation to imagination and to wonder...)
D: Jesus, obviously, but otherwise Moses. He talked with God face to face and I’d love to ask him about it and about his extraordinary life.
What brings you joy?
M: Words, greyhounds and colour! (Just recently I’ve been reminded of the joy of ceilidhs, too, where I am an enthusiastic but haphazard participant.) And knowing that I am loved by God with a love that will not – cannot – let me go.
D: The gift of being alive each day. The love of family and friends. The beauty of creation. Play and laughter. The endless wonder of being friends with God.
What’s the most urgent or important message you bring to the communities and people of the Sees of Reading and Buckingham?
M: That there are grounds for hope! – HOPE in the uppercase - HOPE in the transformational work of God in our lives, our community and our world, and hope in the lowercase - the hope that we bring to birth by living with faithfulness, kindness and generosity following the example of Jesus.
D: Jesus is alive! He is bringing life all around us and we need to learn together how to perceive and focus on what he is doing.
Bishop Designate Mary Gregory shares her thoughts on being nominated as Bishop of Reading
3 December 2024
The announcement
27 November 2024
His Majesty The King has approved the appointments of the Revd Canon Dave Bull as the next Bishop of Buckingham and the Revd Canon Mary Gregory as the next Bishop of Reading.
“This is a significant moment to witness Christ in our culture where so many individuals are seeking identity, hope and purpose for their lives."
The Revd Canon Dave Bull
"I am keen to understand how I can best lead our church communities in sharing the hope that we have in God, and in all that God is doing amongst us. There is so much for me to discover."
The Revd Canon Mary Gregory
Mary and Dave spent their days travelling around their new Areas, visiting schools, parish churches and local community groups.
