Next Bishop of Durham Rick Simpson on his new role

The Venerable Rick Simpson was announced as the next Bishop of Durham after Downing Street confirmed His Majesty the King had approved his appointment following the retirement of the Right Reverend Paul Butler in February 2024.

Richard Lee Simpson, who will be installed as Bishop of Durham in the summer, spent the day visiting primary and secondary schools, as well as Locomotion in Shildon, before finishing the day with an evensong at Durham Cathedral.

Speaking to The Northern Echo at St Cuthbert’s Church in Darlington, which is currently undergoing a £2.5m restoration, he said the reason he was visiting various locations was "to get to a number of the different communities’ representatives of the life of the diocese as a whole”.

Richard Lee Simpson, who is currently the Archdeacon of Auckland, outlined what one of his main aims will be as the Bishop of Durham.

He said: “I think it is important for me to listen deeply to what is happening in the communities in this diocese, in many of which there are real needs.

The next Bishop of Durham, The Venerable Rick Simpson, visited Holy Trinity Church in Darlington (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

“Many feel they do not have a voice. I go straight into the House of Lords once I become a Bishop. It seems to me important to raise the voice of those who do not feel they have one and do not feel seen about the issues that make a massive difference to their lives.

“I will be listening to try to find out which issues are particularly important, and which ones would be strategic for me to represent there and elsewhere.”

The Archdeacon has been a familiar figure in the Diocese since 2006 when he became Priest in Charge at St Brandon’s, Brancepeth.

The next Bishop of Durham The Venerable Rick Simpson with pupils at St Johns Primary School, Shildon (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

Since then, he has helped shape parishes, support clergy and strengthen the church’s mission across the county. He became Archdeacon of Auckland in 2018, guiding churches through times of both challenge and growth.

He also served previously in the Diocese of Newcastle where, as Vicar of Holy Trinity Jesmond, he saw the church grow strongly in number and discipleship over ten years.

Mr Simpson also addressed the issue of falling church numbers.

He admitted the church had been declining in England and the western world for about a century, but added: “Some people think that means the church is irrelevant, and I disagree completely.

“Wherever churches are running activities that help people with problems in their lives, or in spaces where they feel welcomed and they feel seen and heard, that is a great thing.

The Venerable Rick Simpson sits with children at St Johns Primary School, Shildon (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

“Often churches find it hard to know how to actually represent the Christian message in ways that are accessible to people in a very different world. But wherever they do that well, what I see is that people find faith is deeply relevant to their practical needs.

“But I also think there is an increasing spiritual hunger in people as England and much the western world has left faith behind. There is a gap, and actually, the Christian message speaks to that directly.

“I realise decline is a reality in many places, not all, but I am really hopeful.”

He also said it was a struggle keeping the news of his appoitment as the next Bishop of Durham a secret.

The Venerable Rick Simpson on bis visit Locomotion, which museum head Dr Sarah Price (Image: North News & Pictures Ltd)

“It has been a bit of a nightmare, not being able to talk about this, especially Christmas and New Year,” he said.

“I saw family and friends, but it was zipped lips, could not say a word. So, it is a relief as well to finally be able to talk about it.”

The installation of Rick Simpson as Bishop of Durham will take place at Durham Cathedral this summer. Episcopal arrangements for the short interim period will be announced soon.