The Rt Revd Hugh Nelson will be leaving his post as the Bishop of St Germans at the end of the year to become the new Bishop of Worcester.

The announcement was made by Downing Street today following approval of his nomination by HM The King.

Bishop Hugh says: “I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity I’ve been offered to serve the Lord and His church in the Diocese of Worcester.

“As you can imagine though, it will be a bitter-sweet move, as it means leaving all of you wonderful, faithful, brilliant people and the glory of God’s creation that is Cornwall, and it means not being able to serve with Bishop David, who is such a gift to this diocese.”

Watch Bishop Hugh’s message here

 The Rt Revd David Williams, Bishop of Truro, said: “Hugh and Lizzie Nelson could not have done more to welcome Helen and I to the Diocese of Truro.

“Hugh Nelson really is an outstanding bishop and despite our sadness at losing him – Worcester is going to be well served.

 “Hugh is a deeply godly man, and I have learnt much from him.  I have valued his authenticity, his integrity, and his significant ability.”

Bishop Hugh was consecrated on July 15, 2020, by the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, at Lambeth Palace Chapel in London. Covid restrictions meant his welcome to the diocese in July 2020 was undertaken largely online.

In September 2021, Bishop Hugh was also licensed as the Bishop to the Armed Forces, taking over from a previous Bishop of Truro, the Rt Revd Tim Thornton. Bishop Hugh will continue in this role alongside his Worcester position.

Prior to consecration, Bishop Hugh had been a parish priest in Canterbury for eight years. Before that, he had worked for L’Arche London where he served 13 years in a variety of roles including director of L’Arche London community, chair of the group responsible for renewing the vision and strategy of the federation of 80 communities worldwide.

Bishop Hugh added: “In the Diocese of Truro, we have a clear vision for a fruitful and sustainable future, with so many faithful and godly people serving their church and their communities, often in creative and sacrificial ways. And with a new focus on children and young people, and Bishop David leading you on, you can be full of hope for the future.

“I will not be starting in Worcester until the New Year, so there’s lots of time for me to say the things I want to say to you all. Please do pray for my family and I, as we certainly shall for you.”