19 Mar 2026
Downing Street has announced that the Right Reverend Andrew Rumsey will be the new Bishop of St Albans.
Bishop Andrew is currently the Suffragan Bishop of Ramsbury in the Diocese of Salisbury. The nomination, approved by His Majesty The King, was announced by 10 Downing Street this morning.
Bishop Andrew returns to the diocese in which he was born and baptised, where his father served as a parish priest, and where he spent his early life. He described the announcement as “a homecoming” and said he was “thrilled” to be joining a “fine team” and humbled to follow “good and godly predecessors”.
In a pre‑recorded message released at the moment of the announcement, Bishop Andrew reflected on the significance of returning to the place that formed him. “St Albans is the diocese where I grew up,” he said. “My prayer is that together we’ll come home to Christ and that many people will find the Church to be a place where they too can belong.”
Belonging is a theme close to Bishop Andrew’s heart. Drawing on his experience as a parish priest and the son of a vicar, he often notes that people can feel unsure about approaching a church, much like he once felt walking into a gym for the first time. “What do I wear? What do I do? Where do I go?” He hopes to foster a culture where every person feels welcomed and at home.
His commitment to the local church is equally clear. “Any diocese is at heart its local churches, its schools and chaplaincies, its parishes and people,” he said in the announcement video. His long‑standing belief that churches, schools and chaplaincies act as “place‑makers” — shaping their neighbourhoods through service, creativity and care — will continue to shape his ministry here.
Today’s launch begins at St Martin’s Church, Knebworth, where Bishop Andrew was baptised. The day also includes encounters that sample the breadth of diocesan life, from parish and environmental engagement to school communities and interfaith partnerships, echoing his commitment to a Church that is “good for all people”.
Bishop Andrew also spoke of the inspiration he draws from St Alban, a Roman soldier who was Britain’s first convert to Christianity, whose story he describes as a reminder that faith can meet us unexpectedly, and that “it doesn’t matter where you’re from”.
He will move to the Diocese with his wife, Rebecca, and their family later this year, asking for prayers as they prepare for the transition. “Please know that I will be praying for you,” he said, “and I ask you to pray for me and our family as we prepare for all that lies ahead.”
Bishop Andrew said: “I am thrilled to be announced today as the next Bishop of St Albans. This is the diocese where I was born, baptised and grew up, and it is a profound joy to return home. My prayer is that together we will come home to Christ, and that our churches, schools and chaplaincies will be places where people of every background can truly belong. I look forward to coming to know who you are now, and to serving alongside you in the years ahead.”
The Very Revd Dean Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans Cathedral, said: “It is a great joy for our Cathedral and Diocese that Bishop Andrew Rumsey has been appointed to be the 11th Bishop of St Albans. We look forward to his installation later this year and to supporting his ministry among us in the years to come.
“Baptised in our Diocese, this was Bishop Andrew’s Cathedral in his childhood and youth and we look forward to welcoming him back now as our Bishop. Let us pray for Bishop Andrew, his wife Rebecca, and their family at this time, and for our Diocese in this new partnership in ministry.”
St Albans MP Daisy Cooper added: “I warmly welcome the appointment of the Right Reverend Andrew Rumsey to the role of Bishop of St Albans. I’m delighted to hear that his focus will be on fostering a culture of belonging, and continuing our proud tradition here in St Albans of making the Cathedral a welcoming space for all.
“St Albans Cathedral holds a hugely significant role as a shrine to Britain’s first Christian Saint and the oldest site of continuous Christian worship in Britain.
“I worked closely with the previous Bishop – the Right Reverend Alan Smith – throughout his time in the role, including on issues impacting our St Albans community like the cladding scandal and on international aid.
“I look forward to working with Bishop Andrew on shared areas of interest and I wish him all the very best for his new role in our wonderful city.”
The Rt Revd Richard Atkinson OBE, the Bishop of Bedford, has been acting bishop since May 1, 2025, following the retirement of Alan Smith.
Photo: Neil Turner
