On 17 January, we will officially welcome Hugh Nelson as the next Bishop of Worcester. As he joins us, he will be spending time getting to know Worcestershire and Dudley and its people as well as finding out more about what’s happening in our churches.
Bishop Hugh said: “Our diocesan vision is to be Kingdom People, who are part of a network of flourishing churches of all kinds, sizes and styles, with a particular focus on children, young people and their families. To be Kingdom People is to look for the signs of God at work in the world around us, to be of service to our communities – especially those most in need - and to constantly point people towards the goodness and love of Jesus. What a great vision that is!”
"I am so looking forward to getting out and about, visiting churches, schools and communities and meeting God’s Kingdom People in every part of the Diocese."
As Hugh arrives, a programme is being planned for him to visit as much of the Diocese as possible, meeting clergy and lay leaders as well as congregation members. He will be looking particularly for places where he can hear from children and young people through schools, youth groups and other church-run activities. “Jesus told us that the Kingdom is like a community with a child at the centre, so I want to find out what children and young people think of God and what they’d like from church, regardless of whether they currently attend, or even consider themselves Christians.”
Alongside being Bishop of Worcester, Hugh will continue to be Bishop to the Armed Forces. His youngest daughter is in the final year of her A-levels, so in the first few months, he will be travelling back to Truro for a couple of days each week until his wife Lizzie and daughter can join him in Worcester after the exams are over.
Hugh continued: "It is an exciting time to be joining the Diocese of Worcester. God is doing something in our culture at the moment, and there is a new openness to faith. I already know that there are so many people dedicated to serving their community faithfully within and beyond our church buildings. I am looking forward to working, praying, serving and worshipping with you, so that together we can become, even more fully, God’s Kingdom People across Worcestershire and Dudley."
The Installation Service will take place at 2pm on Saturday 17 January 2026. Please note the Nave will be closed on Friday 16 January and Turn up for a Tour will be cancelled on Friday and Saturday. The whole Cathedral will be closed all day on Saturday for the occasion - all are warmly welcome to attend the Service - but do arrive early to ensure getting a seat.