The Queen’s chaplain is to become the Church of England’s first black woman bishop 

The Queen’s chaplain is poised to become the Church of England’s first ever female black bishop in its near 500-year history.

Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, 58, who grew up in Montego Bay, Jamaica, will assume the role of Bishop of Dover in November after 12 years as a minister to the monarch. 

She is also the chaplain to House of Commons Speaker John Bercow who she assists with parliamentary duties such as providing pastoral support to MPs and reading the daily prayer in the chamber.

The minister, who grew up in Montego Bay, Jamaica, is also the chaplain to House of Commons Speaker John Bercow who she assists with parliamentary duties such as providing pastoral support to MPs and reading the daily prayer in the chamber

Mr Bercow hailed Rev Hudson-Wilkin as a ‘loving’ friend and praised her ‘steely resolve’.

He said: ‘Rose is one of the warmest, kindest and most loving people I have ever met, so she will be sorely missed by Members across the House, the staff, and especially by me.

‘She has an unfailing sense of duty and an ability, more than she would herself ever know, to bring comfort in times of tragedy.

‘Furthermore, her steely resolve when confronted with loss and evil, following the death of our dear colleague Jo Cox, and in the wake of the Westminster Bridge attack, was plain for all to see.’ 

‘Our loss is certainly the Diocese of Canterbury’s gain. She will be an excellent Bishop of Dover, and I will watch keenly the next stage of her spiritual journey.’ 

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the Church of England, also commended Rev Hudson-Wilkin as ‘one of the most influential and effective ministers in the public square’

Rev Hudson-Wilkin said: ‘I have loved every minute of being the Speaker’s Chaplain – I describe it as walking in a slice of history.

‘Mr Speaker has been the most amazing colleague and friend – he has been very supportive, a great encourager and I am particularly saddened to be leaving him and his wonderful team.

‘However, I am equally excited about my new role and the opportunity to work with the Archbishop of Canterbury as the Bishop of Dover.’

Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury and head of the Church of England, also commended Rev Hudson-Wilkin as ‘one of the most influential and effective ministers in the public square.’ 

Who is Rev Hudson-Wilkin, the new Bishop of Dover?

After being announced as the 79th Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons in 2010, Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin gave an insight into her background and beliefs.

Originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica, I can be described as a cradle Anglican. 

I was baptised by an old English Priest, Archdeacon Price, at the age of six months. 

Those early beginnings of the Christian faith brought me to the point of exploring my own Vocation to the Priesthood.

Rev Hudson-Wilkin speaks to an audience of school pupils

I first left Jamaica for England to train with the Church Army, and was commissioned in 1982. 

In 1991 I was ordained to the diaconate, and later ordained to the Priesthood in 1994 (when women were first allowed to).

Many within our British society embrace religious faith, along with the very positive standards and values their faith communities encourage. 

I am passionate about the need for faith to be at the heart of the public arena. So for me, it is an exciting opportunity to fulfil the role as Speaker’s Chaplain.

I have been privileged to serve the Church in a variety of capacities. I have served as a member of the General Synod of the Church of England (from 1995 to 1998, and from 2003 to 2010) and I was also one of the Panel of Chairs of the Synod.

I twice represented the Church of England at the World Council of Churches and I am one of its representatives on the Anglican Consultative Council.

I am currently the Vicar of the United Benefice of Holy Trinity with St Philip, Dalston and All Saints, Haggerston and have been since 1998. I was appointed a Chaplain to Her Majesty the Queen in 2007.

I am married with three children. 

Source: Parliament.uk