New Bishop of Berwick announced - and he's only the second since 1572

The Venerable Mark Wroe, currently Archdeacon of Northumberland, is the next Suffragan Bishop of Berwick in the Diocese of Newcastle.

He succeeds Rt Rev Mark Tanner who had been the first Bishop of Berwick since 1572 when the title was resurrected in 2016.

The appointment was announced at Berwick town hall by the Bishop of Newcastle, Rt Rev Christine Hardman, following confirmation of approval from the Queen.

Mark said: “It’s an extraordinary privilege to be called to be the next Bishop of Berwick and to serve God alongside Bishop Christine in Newcastle Diocese.

"I’m very aware that these are challenging and disorientating times, with many people across our region concerned for loved ones and livelihoods.

"I look forward to working with all those in our communities, who seek to work together for a more compassionate society.”

Mark, who grew up in Chester-le-Street, has served in the North East since 2000.

He took up his current role as Archdeacon of Northumberland in 2019, having been acting Archdeacon since 2018.

He is married to Caroline, a renal consultant and research professor, and they have three school age children.

Bishop Christine said: “I am delighted that Mark has accepted the invitation to be the next Bishop of Berwick.

"Mark is extremely well known in our Diocese, having served here for the last 13 years, most recently as Archdeacon of Northumberland.

"He brings great experience and is a person of warmth, joy and integrity.

"Mark was born in Newcastle and grew up in this region, so knows it well and shares a deep commitment to all the rural and urban communities we serve.

"He is particularly committed to helping the most vulnerable in our society. During this coronavirus pandemic, his presence has been hugely reassuring and I very much look forward to working with him.”

Mark will be ordained and consecrated a bishop by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, in a service early next year.

The Bishop of Berwick serves an area covering from the Tyne to the Tweed.

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