The global Anglican mission agency USPG has appointed the Right Reverend Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester as its new Chair of Trustees. The Bishop of Manchester has joined USPG’s Board of Trustees this December as a Trustee and will become chair from July 2024. Bishop Walker will succeed John Neilson, whose six-year term as chair will finish in July, and who has steered USPG through some challenging times.
“USPG has a unique and increasingly central role to play in the life of the Global Church. Its approach to mission, which seeks to understand and value the diversity of views and experiences through a profound commitment to mutual partnership with the member churches of the Anglican Communion is deeply inspiring.” The Rt Revd Dr David Walker, Bishop of Manchester.
As the Chief Pastor for one of the largest dioceses in England, Bishop David supports the mission and ministry of around 250 parishes, approximately 200 schools, and a wide variety of chaplaincies. He is passionate about leading churches in the Diocese of Manchester as they grow, nurture, and serve their communities. As a member of the House of Lords, he seeks to hold the government to account, speaking particularly on housing and homelessness, on international trade, and on matters that relate to Manchester and the North-West. Within the national church, Bishop Walker has chaired the endowment fund (of the Church Commissioners), which invests over £10 billion globally to support the work of the church, including the poorest communities across the UK. Bishop David steps down as Deputy Chair for the Church Commissioners at the end of 2023. A member of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis and Honorary Professor of Anglican Studies at Bishop Grosseteste University, Lincoln, Bishop David also has a wealth of experience in working with the media.
“We are delighted to welcome Bishop David as our new incoming Chair. Throughout his ministry, Bishop David has been a highly effective champion of justice, promoting the provision of housing for all and standing in solidarity with refugees and asylum seekers. We look forward to his passion and wisdom as we continue to serve our sisters and brothers across the churches of the Communion by re-thinking mission, energising church and championing justice. Bishop David will bring a great deal of knowledge, skill, acumen and lived experience to provide support and leadership to the trustee board, which will be working to recruit four new positions in the upcoming year.” The Rev’d Dr Duncan Dormor, General Secretary (CEO), USPG.
“It is exciting to welcome someone with Bishop David’s considerable capabilities and experience as USPG’s next chair. The strong attendance of Anglican Provinces at USPG’s recent International Consultation in Tanzania in January illustrates the potential which USPG has to contribute in the coming years. The current Trustees wish Bishop David every success in leading USPG forward.” John Neilson, Chair of Trustees, USPG; Deputy Receiver General & Director of Finance, Westminster Abbey
Bishop David will lead a Trustee Board of 12 UK-based trustees. They are advised by a Communion Wide Advisory Group (CWAG) with representatives drawn from across the world including Malaysia, Namibia, Ghana, Botswana, Canada, Belize, North India, England and Samoa and Palestine.