The Venerable Olivia Graham, the present Archdeacon of Berkshire and a CSMV Trustee, has been named as the new Bishop of Reading.
The Bishop of Oxford announced the news during a visit to Ranelagh School in Bracknell, where students had an opportunity to ask Olivia questions. Their visit was followed by a reception at Reading Minster.
“I am delighted and energised to have been called to an episcopal role,” says Olivia. “It is a tremendous opportunity to bring together my passions for the Church and the wider world – for example to be able to encourage greater engagement between our church communities and secondary schools. The young people I encounter in our schools are serious and engaged with the world. We need to see how we can offer the resources of faith at a crucial time in their lives.”
Olivia’s early career was spent in teaching and international development, including a period working for Oxfam in Somalia. Ordained in 1997, she has served all of her ministry in the Diocese of Oxford, becoming Archdeacon of Berkshire in 2013.
The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft said; “One of the things that was apparent when we were listening and consulting about the new bishop was that people wanted somebody who really knew what it is like to be in ministry in this part of the world. Someone who knew what the pressures and challenges are. In this and many other areas, Olivia brings just what we need at this time. I am very excited about what Olivia’s appointment means for the Diocese.”