The Bishop of Ely, The Rt Revd Stephen Conway, will be leaving Ely to become the next Bishop of Lincoln later in the year, it has been announced.

Until his successor takes office, he has appointed The Bishop of Huntingdon, The Rt Revd Dr Dagmar Winter, to serve as Acting Bishop of Ely. 

Bishop Stephen wrote to parishes in the Diocese of Ely following the official public announcement from Downing Street.  

In the letter, he describes his 13 years in Cambridgeshire and West Norfolk as “a privilege” and admits to experiencing “a whole mixture of feelings” about the move.  

Bishop Stephen said: “I have loved the nearly 13 years I will have served the gospel with you.   

“It will remain my most sustained commitment in ministry, a time of great fruitfulness for me and, I trust, a time of shared purpose and love in Christ Jesus.”  

He added: “I have a whole mixture of feelings as I face the prospect of the move.   

“I am profoundly grateful for the support I have received from immediate colleagues, from parishes, chaplaincies, clergy, lay ministers, church wardens and from the colleges where I have served as visitor.” 

Bishop Stephen also said how he has “sought to lead and to teach by word and example” and apologised for whenever he “failed” or had “fallen short”.  

The Hunts Post: The Bishop of Huntingdon, Rt Rev Dr Dagmar Winter, will serve as Acting Bishop of Ely until a successor to the role is appointed.The Bishop of Huntingdon, Rt Rev Dr Dagmar Winter, will serve as Acting Bishop of Ely until a successor to the role is appointed. (Image: Diocese of Ely)

Between January 2022 and March 2023, he served as Acting Bishop of Lincoln and held this position alongside his current role in Ely. 

A ceremony to confirm his new appointment will be held in London and presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby. 

This is likely to happen before the end of July. 

Speaking of her predecessor’s departure, Bishop Dagmar said: “Many of us will feel [Bishop Stephen’s] loss keenly.   

“However, he is leaving us in a good place, giving us confidence for the vacancy and beyond.  

“We wish him every blessing in his ministry in the Diocese of Lincoln”. 

A leaving service for Bishop Stephen will be held at Ely Cathedral on Sunday, July 16 at 4:30pm after the annual children’s party.