Diocese’s 80th bishop on Covid task force
AFORMER epidemiologist who has been one of the leading advocates for a global Covid vaccine roll-out was yesterday confirmed as the new Bishop of Bath and Wells.
Downing Street announced that the Rt Rev Michael Beasley, currently the Bishop of Hertford, will become the 80th person to lead the diocese.
Before his full-time role with the church Bishop Michael was an epidemiologist, a background he was called on to use during the pandemic as a member of the Church of England’s Covid task force.
He was one of the loudest voices calling for vaccine equality, urging rich countries to accelerate the distribution of vaccines around the globe.
Bishop Michael said: “I am delighted to be coming to be the Bishop of Bath and Wells and to joining with everyone in the diocese as together we live and tell the story of Jesus.
“We have strong family connections with Somerset and I’m very much looking forward to working alongside its people, communities and churches.”
Before his ordination as Bishop of Hertford in the Diocese of St Albans, Bishop Michael served as director of mission in the Diocese of Oxford.
A scientist by background, he was an epidemiologist specialising in infectious diseases of children in lowincome countries.
As well as being a member of the Church of England’s Covid task force he also worked with Unicef, the NHS, the Government and leaders of different faiths to launch vaccinaid.org which has raised more than £10 million in support of vaccination for lowincome countries.
Bishop Michael met people across Somerset yesterday, including children at St Mary’s Church of England Primary School in Bridgwater and farmers at nearby North Newton.
Bishop Michael is already familiar with Somerset. His wife Lizzie is from Somerset farming stock and prior to Bishop Michael being interviewed for the role of Bishop of Bath and Wells, they both undertook a 60-mile walk around the county.
He was brought up in rural Staffordshire and was ordained in 1999.
Until his appointment as director of mission in the Diocese of Oxford in 2010, he combined his scientific work work in Christian ministry as a missioner and theological educator.
The Rt Rev Dr Alan Smith, the Bishop of St Albans, said: “I am delighted to receive the news that Michael Beasley is to be the new Bishop of Bath and Wells. Michael has served with distinction as Suffragan Bishop of Hertford in this diocese since mid-2015, and he will leave an impressive and long-lasting legacy here.”
Bishop Michael and Lizzie have two young children. In his spare time, he enjoys tending his garden and his bees.
His appointment follows the retirement of the Rt Rev Peter Hancock, who stood down as Bishop of Bath and Wells in May 2021 due to ill health.