Bishop Joanne, who like Bishop Martin will become a member of the House of Lords where she will be able to champion issues close to Suffolk’s heart, said: ‘‘I care deeply about our churches being as healthy and safe as possible, in policies, practice, recruitment, training, and, most importantly in culture.
“We can all contribute to a culture where victims and survivors are seen, heard, cared for, and learned from,’’ she says, adding, ‘‘I am looking forward to working with safeguarding professionals and volunteers across the diocese.”
Prior to her role as Bishop of Stepney she served as Archdeacon in the Diocese of Portsmouth, Residentiary Canon and Director of Ordinands in the Diocese of Sheffield, and as an inner-city parish priest in Sheffield and Liverpool. She trained for ordination at Westcott House in Cambridge.
Bishop Joanne, who studied at Oriel College, Oxford and the University of British Columbia, Canada and was a lecturer in English at Oxford until 1998, is married to the Revd Dr James Grenfell, 55, Chaplain to the University of East London; he will remain in his current role.
It is anticipated that Bishop Joanne will start in her new position during the autumn.
"I am honoured to be called to this role, this is a beautiful diocese, with truly lovely people, and a grounded Suffolk sense of service and humility."
— The Church of England (@churchofengland) June 27, 2025
The Bishop of Stepney, Dr Joanne Grenfell, will be the next Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.
📰 https://t.co/NpN2yzWYBY.