The Venerable Rick Simpson has been consecrated as Bishop of Durham during a service at York Minster today, Thursday 30 April 2026.
The service, which was led by Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, follows the announcement, in February, that the King had approved his appointment as the new Bishop.
During the service, which took place in the Minster’s nave, Archbishop Stephen also consecrated two other Bishops - the Reverend Canon Dr Michael Leyden as Bishop of Penrith, and the Very Reverend Simon Robinson as Bishop of Warrington.
Giving thanks for the gifts that each of the new Bishops will bring to their ministries, Archbishop Stephen added: “Bishops are ordained to serve in God’s Church, sharing in God’s mission and enabling the ministry of all God’s people. They are called to be pastors and evangelists – caring for their clergy, nurturing their communities, and building up the Kingdom of God.”
Rick succeeds the Right Reverend Paul Butler who retired from the role in February 2024. During the interim period, Bishop Sarah Clark served as acting Bishop of Durham, while in post as the Bishop of Jarrow. She has now become Bishop of Ely in Cambridgeshire.
The installation of Rick as Bishop of Durham will take place at a service in Durham Cathedral on 7 June.
The full selection of photographs from the consecration can be found on our Flickr page and if you would like to re-watch the live-stream video, it is still available on York Minster's YouTube channel. You can also view photos from the Ven Rick Simpson's confirmation of election service which took place on Wednesday 29 April.
Photo Credit: Duncan Lomax
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