His Majesty The King has approved the appointment of the Revd Canon Dave Bull as the next Bishop of Buckingham.

The announcement was made this week and will be followed by an introduction tour to the Diocese of Oxford communities.

This includes visits to St Mary's Princes Risborough and Waddesdon School, concluding with trips to Bletchley and Milton Keynes.

(Image: Diocese of Oxford)

Rev. Bull, who has served as Team Rector of the 4U Team in Marlow since 2012, said: "It is an exciting prospect to serve Buckinghamshire as Bishop in the coming years.

"My family have made it our home for the past 13 years and so we have already come to love many of the communities, schools and churches here.

"I look forward to coming to love all the others in the years ahead."

Rev. Bull was ordained in 2008 after coming to faith via an Alpha course in London and has since served in various roles within the Diocese of Southwark.

Before his ordination, he worked for a charity, a church in London, and Unilever.

He studied law at Oxford and theology at Wycliffe Hall, and is currently studying for a master's degree in the theology of ministry and mission.

He is married to Helen, with whom he has three children, and enjoys sailing and mountain biking.

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, said: "I am delighted that Dave has accepted the invitation to be the next Bishop of Buckingham.

"Dave engages deeply with all forms of theological tradition and will be building on the firmest of foundations as he becomes Bishop."

The bishopric was left vacant following the unexpected death of Bishop Alan Wilson in February 2024, a year before his planned retirement.

He served as Bishop of Buckingham for more than 20 years.

Rev. Bull, who will be consecrated as Bishop Designate in spring next year, recognises the significance of his new role.

He said: "This is a significant moment to witness Christ in our culture where so many individuals are seeking identity, hope and purpose for their lives.

"At the same time, there are many signs of vibrant spiritual life in the villages and towns of Buckinghamshire, as well as in the four main population centres of Milton Keynes, Aylesbury, Slough and High Wycombe."

He expressed his eagerness to discover what the future holds for the Diocese and invited the people of Buckinghamshire to join him in praying for God's kingdom.

The consecration will take place alongside that of the new Bishop of Reading, the Revd Canon Mary Gregory, who was also announced on Wednesday 27th November.