New Bishop of Aston

12/12/2024

Rev. Canon Esther Prior to be new Suffragan Bishop of Aston succeeding Bishop Anne Hollinghurst.
Esther Prior wearing a blue and white stripped dress standing in a church nave

The next Bishop of Aston will be the Rev Canon Esther Prior, Downing Street has announced.

Born in Malawi, Esther moved to England for theological education at Trinity College, Bristol, in 1999. Since then, her ministry has been rich and varied: serving as a School Chaplain, a Young Offenders’ Prison Chaplain, and a Team Vicar in Farnborough. Esther is currently vicar of St John's, Egham, a position she has held since 2018.

On her appointment, Esther said: "I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the Bishop of Aston.

"Faith in Jesus Christ – especially in this Advent season – motivates me to look forward with hope and joy.

"I look forward to getting to know and love the communities of the Church of England Birmingham in the months to come."

For the full announcement, see the Diocese of Birmingham website.