The Rev Canon Mark Rylands, the Canon Missioner for the Diocese of Exeter, is to be the next Bishop of Shrewsbury in the Church of England, Downing Street announced
The announcement was made after his appointment was approved by the Queen. Mark, 48, has been in the Diocese of Exeter for seven years. His wife, the Rev Prebendary Amanda Rylands, has served most recently in the Diocese as the Director of Ordinands and Bishop’s Adviser for Women’s Ministry.
During his time in Exeter, Mark has been involved in promoting some inspiring ventures- Planting in Prayer, the visit of the Melanesian Brothers, Just 10 Devon, the Good Friday Walk of Witness in Exeter and Fresh Expressions in Devon (FrED). Recently he has initiated and helped oversee the growth of Nightchurch at Exeter Cathedral, and was also one of those responsible for planning this year’s 1100th anniversary celebrations.
He said: “It is going to be a huge wrench to leave Devon after seven years. We have been made to feel very welcome here and met with kind, generous and friendly hospitality. As Diocesan Missioner, I have very much enjoyed the opportunity of working with parishes in urban, coastal and rural settings and seeing churches become good news in their communities.
“Particular highlights have been cooperating with others in County-wide ventures , reaching the Church Times Cup Final with the Devon clergy cricket team in 2006 and overseeing Mission work at Exeter Cathedral where I hope that the ministry to the homeless, imaginative outreach and Nightchurch will continue to flourish.
“I will particularly miss the strong relationships and friendships that have blossomed with partner churches and leaders in Exeter as, together, we have tried to demonstrate God’s love for everyone in the City.”
He added: “The prospect of becoming Bishop of Shrewsbury is quite daunting but I do know that where God calls he also equips. I look forward, therefore, with both trepidation and expectation to this next stage of ministry in Shropshire.” Mark does know his new patch, having been educated in Shropshire. He also has family in the area.
The Rev Amanda Rylands said: “Obviously I am sad to be leaving Exeter. I have been grateful for all the ministry opportunities here, particularly involvement with the Cathedral School, serving in the parishes of Dunsford and Doddiscombsleigh and the privilege of accompanying individuals on their vocational journey. We have been happy here but look forward to whatever the future may bring.”
The couple’s two children, Frances and Sam, are studying at Nottingham University.
The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Michael Langrish, said the couple would be very much missed across the Diocese.
“Mark’s ministry in Devon has been of tremendous value. He has a passion for mission and is immensely respected within the Diocese and across other churches, possessing a genuine ability to reach out to people of all ages. A man of vision, energy and determination, he has a great track record in getting on with delivering what is needed. As a Bishop, I am convinced that he will be an excellent pastor of the clergy and a fine teacher of the faith. He also has a great sense of fun and will be missed enormously by everyone who knew him in the diocese of Exeter.
“His wife Mandy has made a distinguished contribution to the life of the Diocese in her own right, as Diocesan Director of Ordinands, Adviser for Women in Ministry and a member of the Bishop’s senior staff team. She has overseen a vocations initiative which has seen considerable growth in candidates for ministry of all kinds.”
Mark will be consecrated as Bishop of Shrewsbury in Westminster Abbey on 28 October.
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Tags: Church Life