Diocese of York / News & events / News

Archbishop Sentamu will consecrate the Revd Canon Alison White, priest-in-charge of Riding Mill in the Diocese of Newcastle and Diocesan Adviser for Spirituality and Spiritual Direction, as the Bishop of Hull at York Minster on Friday 3rd July at 11am.

Alison will be presented for consecration by the Bishop of Worcester, the Rt Revd John Inge, and the recently retired Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Revd Martin Wharton. The Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Revd James Bell, will preach the sermon.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said, “I’m delighted to be consecrating and welcoming Alison as the new Bishop of Hull. Alison is a person of real godliness and wisdom. She will have Episcopal responsibility for the City of Hull and the coastline and countryside of the East Riding. She will also be the Ambassador for Urban Life and Faith, Prayer and Spirituality across the Diocese. These are very exciting times in the Diocese of York as we mutually resource one another to build up the Body of Christ, to grow in Christlikeness, commitment, partnership, influence and numbers. We thank God that Alison has come to us at such a time as this!”.

The Revd Canon Alison White said, “I am really excited about coming to this part of the world with all its stories and people. It is such a good time to be part of what is happening in Hull and the East Riding and across the Diocese of York. The great thing about the Church of England is that we are part of the gospel being around in every community, made real in us ordinary people. I want to be part of that and to give confidence that we have something vital to contribute wherever we live.”

At the consecration, Alison will carry her pastoral staff, presented to her by the Diocese of Newcastle, and made with a traditional Northumbrian ram’s horn by Neville Straker of Amble.

Following her Consecration at York Minster, Bishop Alison will be welcomed to Hull and the East Riding at a special service on Monday 6th July at 7.30pm at Holy Trinity, Hull.

Canon White succeeds the Right Revd Richard Frith, who became Bishop of Hereford in November 2014.

Following a degree in English at Durham, Alison White studied Theology at Cranmer Hall, Durham, and completed her title at Chester-le-Street in the Diocese of Durham, as deaconess from 1986, deacon from 1987 and priest from 1994. She studied for an MA in Theology through Leeds University. From 1989 to 1993 she served as Durham’s Diocesan Adviser in Local Mission. She then spent 5 years as Director of Mission and Pastoral Studies at Cranmer Hall. She served as Diocesan Director of Ordinands also in Durham Diocese for 2 years and then nationally as part of the Springboard Team for 4 years.

On moving to the Diocese of Peterborough she served 5 years as an Adult Education Officer for the Diocese before moving to the Diocese of Newcastle in 2011.

Alison is married to Bishop Frank White, Assistant Bishop of Newcastle.