Christians from across the Dioceses of Liverpool, Durham and Carlisle gathered at York Minster on Thursday 30th April for the consecration of three new bishops: The Venerable Richard Simpson as Bishop of Durham, the Reverend Canon Dr Michael Leyden as Bishop of Penrith, and, for the Diocese of Liverpool, the Very Reverend Simon Robinson as Bishop of Warrington. Bishop Simon was supported on the memorable day by clergy, curates, readers and staff from across the Diocese of Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral to bear witness to this significant moment as Bishop Simon entered a new chapter in his ministry.
Supported by clergy, curates, readers and staff from across the Diocese of Liverpool and Liverpool Cathedral, Bishop Simon was consecrated on one of the warmest days of the year so far, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his ministry.
The two-hour service, presided over by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, was both moving and celebratory. It began with the processional hymn ‘Praise to the Lord, the Almighty’ and included prayerful moments and powerful Bible readings throughout. Following the prayers, Bishop Ruth Worsley formally presented Simon for consecration, before the gathered bishops conferred their blessing through the laying on of hands.
In one particular sermon, clergy reflected on the calling of bishops to act as guardians of God’s story, helping to share and shape its meaning in today’s modern world. At the conclusion of the service, Bishop Simon stepped out onto the steps of York Minster to greet the city of York, marking the public beginning of his ministry across the Diocese of Liverpool.
Prior to his consecration, Simon served as Dean of Truro Cathedral in Cornwall from 2022 as interim and on a permanent basis from 2024 until earlier this year. Before his ordained ministry, he worked in education as both a teacher and headteacher in London and Bristol. He now joins the Diocese of Liverpool, serving alongside the Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool. Using his vital experience from previously being a teacher, Bishop Simon hopes to play a significant role in shaping education across our Church of England primary and secondary schools across Merseyside and the wider diocese.
Bishop Simon was also supported on the day by family, friends and former colleagues from Truro Cathedral, many of whom travelled over 380 miles to be present as he embarked on this new stage of his vocation.
Reflecting on the day, The Right Reverend, Simon Robinson, Bishop of Warrington said:
“Wow! My heart is so full and so on fire with joy! Thank you so much for your prayers, your support and your kind messages over the past few days. The service in York Minster was tremendous and knowing family, friends and ‘friends to be’ were praying for me is a real encouragement.”
“Thank you so much to those of you attended either online or were in the Minster itself.”
“It was a beautiful moment when Bishop Ruth had her hand on my shoulder as I was consecrated as your new Bishop of Warrington.”
Since the announcement of his appointment on 27th March 2026, Bishop Simon has received a warm welcome from hundreds across the Diocese. During his first visit to Merseyside and Cheshire as Bishop Designate, he met with staff at St James’ House, pupils and teachers at a Warrington based primary school, and visited a range of social justice initiatives across Liverpool, including health and wellbeing projects and foodbanks. Simon’s maiden visit to the Diocese of Liverpool, demonstrated to Simon the vast geographical and diverse areas that make up our diocese. He visited the suburban commuter town of Warrington in Cheshire then paying a visit to Bootle, the dense urban port town, followed by a visit to the community centred residential area of Clubmoor, and finally concluding his visit in Liverpool City Centre, attending Evensong at Liverpool Cathedral, the 5th biggest cathedral in the world.
Following the service, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said:
“I was filled with joy and confidence in consecrating Simon on 30th April at York Minster. We gave thanks for the gifts he brings to this ministry and pray for Simon who is called to serve in Warrington, in the Diocese of Liverpool and, across the Northern Province.
Bishops are ordained to serve in God’s Church, sharing in God’s mission and enabling the ministry of all God’s people. They are called to be pastors and evangelists – caring for their clergy, nurturing their communities, and building up the Kingdom of God.
Please join with me in continuing to pray for Simon, Michael and Rick as they take up their new roles, and for the communities they now serve.”
Reflecting on the consecration service, Rt Revd Ruth Worsley, Interim Bishop of Liverpool:
“It was an absolute joy to be part of the consecration of Simon, our new Bishop of Warrington, in York Minster. Many Liverpool folk from around our diocese were there, including Archbishop John our Roman Catholic brother in Christ, to celebrate this moment in a gloriously sunny York. I look forward to working with +Simon in ministry and mission across the diocese, sharing the good news of God’s love for the world.”
Looking back on the service, The Very Reverend Dr Sue Jones, Dean of Liverpool added:
“Bishop Simon’s consecration at York Minister on Thursday was a really joyful occasion. It was good to see him so relaxed and happy. The Cathedral company looks forward to his ministry amongst us and to his service of welcome later in May.”
Prior to becoming Dean of Truro, he served as Vicar of Minehead, following his curacy in three village churches near Bath.
He brings to his ministry a strong commitment to building a Church that is for everyone. Shaped in part by his upbringing in a working-class family, where poverty was a lived reality, Bishop Simon is passionate about ensuring the life of the Church speaks meaningfully to people from all backgrounds.
Photo credit: Duncan Lomax
