Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich names Reverend Joanne Grenfell as first female bishop

Suffolk’s first female bishop has spoken of her honour of stepping into the role.

The Reverend Dr Joanne Grenfell, 53, succeeds Martin Seeley as the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich after his retirement in February after 10 years.

Joanne has been the Bishop of Stepney, part of the Diocese of London, since 2019.

Married with three children, she is the first woman to step into the role and is expected to take on her duties in the autumn.

Bishop Joanne has already begun meeting with people from the diocese, including at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Debenham Church of England High School, St Michael’s in Framlingham, and at a community outreach project in St Peter’s Church, Ipswich.

She is keen to see young people leading within the church and their communities, working alongside those with many years of experience.

Bishop Joanne said: “I am honoured to be called to this role. This is a beautiful diocese, with truly lovely people, and a grounded Suffolk sense of service and humility.

‘‘I had the privilege of preaching at the Aldeburgh Festival a couple of weeks ago and I know I have so much to learn and understand about Suffolk.

“What I’m already discovering is how warm and welcoming people are. I’m excited about getting to know Suffolk and its people better.”

As Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, Joanne will take a seat in the House of Lords and hopes to champion causes close to Suffolk.

Bishop Joanne studied at Oriel College, Oxford and the University of British Columbia, in Canada and was a lecturer in English at Oxford until 1998.

She is married to the Reverend Dr James Grenfell, chaplain to the University of East London, who will remain in his current role.

Bishop Joanne said: “I hope to develop a culture where we can challenge and support each other to do the best we can to live out the good news of Jesus Christ in this place.

‘‘God has shown us how the Church can grow, across different traditions and contexts.

“I’m keen to join in with what you are already doing here with Growing in God, Lightwave, and Inspiring Ipswich, and to work out together what God is calling us to next.’’

Bishop Graeme Knowles, the diocese’s acting bishop, believed Bishop Joanne would bring a rich mixture of experience to the church, including valuable insight into safeguarding.

He added: ‘‘Joanne will take up her position in Suffolk later this year and in the meantime we will be making preparations in the diocese to ensure a smooth handover and a very warm Suffolk welcome.’’