Oxford Diocese welcomes the new Bishop of Reading

Bishops Olivia is known to many of you as she was previously the Archdeacon of Berkshire and was consecrated at St Paul’s Cathedral in November 2019. She is the first woman bishop in Oxford Diocese. 

Bishop Olivia is married to Keith and they have three adult children.  She is passionate about social justice and the interface the church has with the wider world.  Before she was ordained, she spent a number of years working abroad as a volunteer teacher and schools worker in Kenya She was also involved with international development, which included working for Oxfam in Somalia.  She was ordained in 1997 and has served all her ministry in the Diocese of Oxford, becoming Archdeacon of Berkshire in 2013. 

Responding to the announcement of her new appointment, Bishop Olivia said, "I am delighted and energised to have been called to an episcopal role.  It is a tremendous opportunity to bring together my passions for the Church and the wider world." 

As an international Christian mission organisation, Mothers’ Union congratulates Bishop Olivia and looks forward to working with her in the future. 

Written by Maureen Weston 

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