The Rt Revd John Holbrook, Bishop of Brixworth will be Acting Bishop for the Diocese of Peterborough when Bishop Donald retires in January, it has been announced.
Bishop John was installed as the Bishop of Brixworth in 2011 and serves as sponsoring bishop, working with the Diocesan Director of Ordinands on discerning people’s call to ordained ministry. He has oversight of retired clergy who have been given permission to officiate (PTO). He also cares for those working in chaplaincy roles, such as hospitals, prisons, schools or sports clubs. He regularly undertakes parish mission weekends. He will continue in this role as well as taking responsibility for the diocese until a new diocesan bishop is appointed.
Accepting the new position Bishop John said: ‘I am delighted to be invited to lead the Diocese through the coming year. We have a superb senior team and I look forward to continuing to work alongside them.’
Bishop Donald announced his intention to retire in July and will step down as the Bishop of Peterborough at a farewell service in the Cathedral on Sunday 8 January.
Bishop John will be supported in his new role by the Archbishop’s Commissary, the Rt Revd Jonathan Meyrick. Bishop Jonathan was formerly Suffragan Bishop of Lynn in Norwich Diocese and has, since 2021, been an Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Peterborough Diocese.
Following his appointment of Bishop John as Acting Bishop, and with Bishop Jonathan as Commissary, Bishop Donald said: ‘I am confident that, with our existing senior staff and office staff, they will be able to give a good lead during the coming year’.