The appointment has been confirmed, by Downing Street, of Reverend Chris Goldsmith as the new Bishop of St Germans.

Welcoming the news, Bishop Tim said: “I am delighted that Chris is going to be the new Bishop of St Germans. He has strong skills and gifts in the area of ministry development, leadership and coaching.

“We wanted particularly to have someone to come and nurture the leadership potential of our clergy in what is a rapidly evolving environment at a local community level. I believe that in Chris we have found someone who will offer much in this respect.

“Chris has shown, in his ministry so far, an engagement and commitment to people and a real sense in his own life of responding to the call of God. I am looking forward to welcoming him and his wife, Ellie, to the Diocese of Truro, and know they will receive a warm reception.

“I also look forward to working closely with Chris as we move ahead with our priorities, which are about shaping ourselves to respond to the opportunities God gives us. I know too how much he will want to get out and about and learn from the context provided by firsthand experience; and am confident that he will enjoy living and working in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.”

Expressing his delight at his appointment, Revd Chris Goldsmith said: “I’m humbled and excited to be joining a diocese with such deep spiritual roots, first formed by pioneering Celtic saints inspired by their own Christian faith. They have left their mark all over the landscape in place names, churches and traditions.

“Yet despite being a county so rich in heritage and natural beauty, Cornwall today is also a place where many people face increasing deprivation. As a church we need to be the help and the ‘hope-bringers’ for these families and communities and to enable their voices be heard in the corridors of power.

“Key to this collective endeavour are those appointed to lead the church locally. I have always had a heart for other clergy and lay ministers and I will do all I can to encourage, support and challenge my brothers and sisters. Inspired by the example of Jesus himself, we shall continue to fulfil our calling to serve and to lead our congregations and communities in ways that nurture, enable and release others.

“Here in the Diocese of Truro, God’s people are rediscovering Christian discipleship as the ‘Way of Life’. This is not something static and protected like an endangered species, but outgoing, receptive to all that is good and transforming through the love of Jesus Christ. I am delighted to be joining that journey.”

Revd Goldsmith will be installed as a Bishop by Archbishop Justin Welby at a service in Southwark Cathedral at 11am on Tuesday 14 May; and there will be a service of welcome for him in Truro Cathedral at 6pm on Sunday 19 May.

 

Revd Chris Goldsmith (aged 58), studied at York University where he gained a doctorate in Biochemistry and then worked for Shell International for the next 25 years in Kent, Essex, Amsterdam and London – first as a Research Scientist and then in various Human Resources and Change Management roles.

He was licensed as a Reader in 1984 and trained part-time for the ordained ministry on the North Thames Ministerial Training Course from 1997 to 2000.

He served his curacy at Pitsea with Nevendon, in Chelmsford Diocese from 2000 to 2004. Since 2004 he has been Vicar at Christ Church Warley and Saint Mary the Virgin Great Warley in the Diocese of Chelmsford.

Chris Goldsmith is married to Ellen who is also ordained and they have two grown up children. His interests include garden design, walking and the visual arts.