The Revd Canon Sam Corley has been consecrated as the Bishop of Stockport as part of a double consecration service at York Minster.
The Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell presided at the service on Monday, July 19, 2021.
Alongside Sam, the Venerable Julie Conalty, currently Archdeacon of Tonbridge, was consecrated as the Bishop of Birkenhead, with the new bishops serving the Church and the communities of the Diocese of Chester.
The Archbishop of York was assisted on the day by the Bishop of Newcastle, Christine Hardman and the Bishop of Durham, Paul Butler.
The consecration service took place in the context of the Eucharist and included readings, prayers, music and a sermon delivered by the Revd Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy.
The service was held under careful guidelines because of the Coronavirus pandemic with strict limits on the numbers attending.
Archbishop Stephen said: “I am delighted that Her Majesty the Queen has accepted the nomination of Julie Conalty as the next Bishop of Birkenhead and Sam Corley as the next Bishop of Stockport.
“They will bring great wisdom, experience, pastoral sensitivity and missional intent to the Diocese of Chester.
“Bishop Mark and the whole Diocese of Chester are in my prayers, as are Julie and Sam and their families.”
In a joint comment about the service, Julie and Sam said: “We are so grateful to all those who made it possible for a small number of people to be present physically in the Minster, as well as the efforts that went into making the service available online, and appreciated people's prayers that blessing, joy and confidence in the love and goodness of God were hallmarks of the service, and indeed, of all our ministries.”
The Rt Revd Nick Baines, Bishop of Leeds, said: “Sam has served the Diocese of Leeds and the wider Church of England in a variety of capacities with great diligence, wisdom and generosity.
“He has inspired many people to greater vision and ministry within and beyond the church. His appointment to the See of Stockport is wonderful for the church, the wider community in the Diocese of Chester, and the bishops nationally.
“I am very sorry to be losing him, but very confident that his ministry will continue to grow in the future.”