General Synod Elections 2026 - results
The count took place on 14 October. Here are the results.
News
Honouring Black History, Renewing Our Common Life
Our bishops write to mark the start of Black History Month and affirm our Black lay and clergy in the diocese.
Mirth and tears as Bishop Michael leaves diocese
Sunday 27 September saw the last acts for the 99th Bishop of Lichfield.
Lay Ministry celebrated
On Saturday, four Reader received certificates acknowledging 25 and 40 years of service during the cathedral eucharist. Later, many took part in the Renewal of Commitment to Ministry before seven new Readers were admitted to their ranks.
Portraits of retiring bishop
Two significant events took place yesterday, Wednesday 16 September, in the approach to Bishop Michael's retirement as diocesan bishop on 27 September.
Farewell Speech to the House of Lords
Bishop Michael made his farewell speech on Monday during a debate on the Representation of the People Bill.
Knight and Deigh honoured as part of cathedral installation
In the last round of appointments before retiring, Bishop Michael installed three honoured clergy, a new ecumenical canon and commissioned an assistant bishop in Lichfield Cathedral.
New Bishop of Warwick is Stoke-on-Trent lad
The new Bishop of Warwick in the neighbouring Diocese of Coventry will be the Revd Canon Dr Tim Lomax, Downing Street has announced today, after his nomination was approved by HM the King. He was ordained in Lichfield Cathedral, a curate in Wolverhampton and vicar in Shrewsbury before moving to St Albans diocese in 2016.
The Rt Revd Barry Rogerson RIP
We have learnt with great sadness of the death of the Rt Revd Barry Rogerson, first Bishop of Wolverhampton and subsequently Bishop of Bristol.
Festival of Creation in Christ
The New Festival of Creation in Christ is an addition to the Church's calendar agreed in July 2026's General Synod, along with a commemoration of the 21 Martyrs of Libya, a group of Christian men martyred in 2015, to fall in the Spring. Bishop Michael, as the outgoing Chair of the Liturgical Commission was instrumental in bringing this to fruit.
Walsall's drought-friendly bucket baptism
It also featured a church-inspired football shirt.
Bishop Michael's contributions at final Synod
Bishop Michael introduced an important piece of liturgical committee business: the provision of a Festival of Christ in Creation and the addition to the Calendar of a Commemoration of the Twenty-One Martyrs of Libya. Bishop Michael also spoke in the Palestinian Christian debate and on other occasions in the final meeting of General Synod before new elections. Both speeches are reproduced here.
Stones inspired
A stone from one of Lichfield Cathedral's spires was dedicated in an Essex chapel this weekend.
Bishop Michael's final Presidential Address
Bishop Michael gave a Presidential Address to Diocesan Synod on 30 June 2026.
Former archdeacon of Salop and Lichfield has died
The Ven George Frost, who served a long and faithful ministry in this diocese died peacefully on Tuesday 16 June.
Bishops’ apology for historical adoption practices
The bishops of Lichfield Diocese have responded to the announcement made by the Church of England today apologising for instances of hurt and trauma caused in care homes in which it was historically involved. *UPDATE 02/07: The Prime Minister has today issued an apology for historic adoption practices. See main text*
Biggest footprint in Chad Foundations
There was a sense of joy and celebration at Shallowford House on Saturday as the biggest group yet were presented with certificates on completing the Chad Foundations course
Walsall Church's grant for enriching science and faith
St Matthew's Church Walsall has received a Scientists in Congregations grant of £9850 for 'Embodied Faith: How Does God Meet Us in Body?' The project explores how Christian worship and prayer are experienced through the body.
Six plus one of the best
After nomination by Bishop Michael and agreement from Chapter, new prebendaries and a lay canon were installed in Lichfield Cathedral last week
Vocations Officer appointed – for lay and ordained callings
The Revd Jules Walker, Team Vicar in the Uttoxeter Team Ministry, has been appointed as Vocations Officer. This reconfigured post embraces the work of a Director of Ordinands but also leads the work of encouraging vocations across the diocese, from all traditions and from among the great diversity of people living and worshipping in the diocese, to lay and ordained ministry and to the call of every person to service of God and others in the church.
Cannock Chase Landscape Partnership funds benches and more
St John the Baptist, Tixall, is one of the churches in the Cannock Chase area which has benefitted
New Prebendaries and Canons to be installed
Eight new Prebendaries, an Ecumenical Canon and a Lay Canon are to be installed in Lichfield Cathedral, Bishop Michael has announced. Seven of the total of ten will be installed at the Ascension Day Service on 14th May at 5:30pm.
Church promotes all kinds of growth on Easter Day
New life and new green award
Waiting for Good News
Speculation, expectation and controversy: Bishop Michael's blog for April - and Easter
Good Friday Appeal for the Diocese of Jerusalem
Bishop Sarah is inviting parishes and individuals to support this year’s Good Friday Offering for the Diocese of Jerusalem and the Middle East, which in 2026 is dedicated to the work of Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza
Bishop Michael to retire in September 2026
“I know that I have been blessed over the last ten years to work in one of the friendliest, most down to earth and least pretentious parts of the Church of England; thank you from my heart.”
More blossom in Shropshire
A special apple tree, re-discovered in the grounds of Much Wenlock Priory, home of Shropshire's patron saint, was planted this week at the Bishop of Shrewsbury's house.
Marking Shropshire Day on foot and in prayer and worship
Shropshire Day, commemorating St Milburga, falls on 23 February. The Bishop of Lichfield, he Bishop of Hereford, the Bishop of Shrewsbury and others marked it together in three locations in the presence of Anna Turner, HIs Majesty's Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire.
Stoke Churches’ Revitalisation Takes a Major Step Forward
The Church of England has confirmed the remaining £3.7 million towards a £5.9 million investment to strengthen Christian presence across Stoke‑upon‑Trent through its churches, schools, and community partnerships. Funding runs until 2032 and builds on work already making a real difference locally.
Holocaust Memorial Day commemorations in Shropshire and London
Shropshire Council commemorated HMD 2026 at Whitchurch CE Federation's junior school while Bishop Sarah attended the national commemoration in Westminster having preached on Holocaust and other genocides at the weekend.
