Pope Francis has appointed two new auxiliary bishops to the Archdiocese of Birmingham.
Canon Stephen Wright, who will have pastoral responsibility for the deaneries in Staffordshire, Wolverhampton and the Black Country, and Canon David Evans, who will continue to have pastoral responsibility for the deaneries in Birmingham and Worcestershire, are due to be ordained auxiliary bishops on 10 June at St Chad’s Cathedral, if congregations are meeting then.
The appointments follow the appointment of former auxiliary Bishop Robert Byrne, an Oratorian Father, as Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle, and the retirement of Bishop David McGough age 75.
In a reference to the coronavirus pandemic that has seen public liturgies suspended across the UK, Archbishop Bernard Longley said in a statement that he was grateful for the considerable pastoral experience the two men would bring to their roles, particularly during “these troubling and uncertain days”.
Archbishop Longley said: “I am grateful to Canon David for serving several years ago as Episcopal Vicar for Coventry, Warwickshire and Oxfordshire and for caring for the Birmingham and Worcestershire parishes since last September, alongside his teaching responsibilities at the Maryvale Institute.
“I also thank Canon Stephen for his pastoral care until very recently as Episcopal Vicar for Religious and for all that he has done to enable us to respond to the IICSA Inquiry.
“I wish to record my thanks to Bishop David McGough for all that he has contributed to the mission of the Archdiocese as Auxiliary Bishop, especially as he celebrates the Golden Jubilee of his Priestly Ordination, and for his personal support to me over the last 10 years.
“In these troubling and uncertain days it is a blessing for us all to have two new bishops to help unfold the Lord’s plan for our Archdiocese in the years ahead and to care for our clergy and people.”
Bishop Elect Stephen Wright said: “I was very surprised when Pope Francis appointed me as an Assistant Bishop. I offer an unworthy “yes” to the will of the Lord and His Church, trusting in the Lord’s Grace.
“Please keep me in your prayers. I continue to be blessed in serving the people of this Archdiocese and at this difficult time let us pray we will be wise and generous in caring for the most vulnerable in our society.
“St Chad, pray for us.”
Bishop Elect David Evans said: “After getting over the surprise of being told that I had been appointed an auxiliary bishop of Birmingham, I am looking forward very much to collaborating with Archbishop Bernard, in all that he is doing to preach the Gospel in the diocese and beyond.
“With St Chad and St Cuthbert to guide me, and with the prayers of priests, deacons and people, I hope to be a humble, diligent and receptive servant of the Church.”
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