Rachel Treweek will become the first woman in the Church of England to be consecrated as diocesan bishop. The ceremony will take place today at Canterbury Cathedral and will be led by the Archbishop of Canterbury, stuff Justin Welby.
Hundreds of well-wishers are expected to make the journey from Gloucestershire to witness the historic occasion.
Rachel said she was excited for what lies ahead: “I am excited and full of anticipation and joy for what lies ahead as I begin my ministry as Bishop of Gloucester. I am looking forward to encouraging Christians to speak out with confidence about their faith and the good news that the Gospel brings.
“My calling to the role of bishop has been shaped by human encounter. I believe profoundly that relationship is at the heart of who God is. I have been with people through the joys and pains of their lives and it is these experiences that I will reflect upon as I take up this new role.”
During the service she will be presented with her episcopal ring and pectoral cross, which were both designed especially for Rachel and represent her passion of conflict transformation, empowering others and her link with South Africa.
Before ordination, Rachel trained as a Speech and Language Therapist, a role she practised for more than six years. It was whilst working as a Speech and Language Therapist that she became interested in family dynamics.
Her previous training and specialist work continues to affect her perspective on the functioning of a parish and the wider church in society. This has led to an ever-increasing interest in conflict transformation. Since 2011 Rachel has been a Member of Bridge Builders’ Council of Reference.