The Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Reading, will take up the post officially in the autumn.
But on Monday he came to the county town to introduce himself.
He said: “I knew about six or seven weeks ago, but it was surrounded by secrecy.
“I was born and brought up in Essex and although I have not lived here since I was 18, I think of it as home.”
“I am looking forward to returning to this large and richly diverse diocese and excited by the challenges that lie ahead.”