In a significant development for the Anglican Diocese of Leeds, The Venerable Malcolm Leslie Chamberlain has been appointed as the new Bishop of Wakefield, according to an announcement from Downing Street on March 19, 2025. Chamberlain, who has served as the Archdeacon of Sheffield and Rotherham, expressed his enthusiasm for his new role during a formal introduction at Wakefield Cathedral.
At the event, The Rt Revd Nick Baines, the Bishop of Leeds, introduced Chamberlain to clergy, civic leaders, and members of the faith community. "I’m delighted to be called to serve the people and parishes of Wakefield, Barnsley and the surrounding towns and villages as their Area Bishop, and greatly look forward to joining you in June," said Chamberlain, emphasizing his deep connection to the Yorkshire region.
Malcolm Chamberlain's journey to this prestigious position has been marked by a longstanding commitment to community service and church leadership. He studied at York University and has spent the last eleven years living in Sheffield. "Having lived in this beautiful part of the country, Yorkshire is a region very close to my heart, and I am most thankful to God for calling me to this role in the Diocese of Leeds," he noted during his introduction.
Nick Baines welcomed Chamberlain by saying, "I am delighted to welcome the Venerable Malcolm Chamberlain as the next Bishop of Wakefield and to this important area of our diocese, so rich in both industrial heritage and current potential." He emphasized the diverse identities and challenges of the region, highlighting Chamberlain’s blend of experience and passion as a perfect fit for the role. "Malcolm will listen and learn from everyone’s voices, bringing his lived experience of hard-pressed communities," Baines remarked.
As a Suffragan Bishop, Chamberlain plans to take an active role in nurturing local parishes, showcasing his commitment to fostering strong relationships within the community. Malcolm, married to Jo with two grown children, brings a personal touch to his ministry and delights in collecting vinyl records and attending live music gigs, sharing a profound love for Leicester City football team as a lifelong supporter.
Reflecting on his calling, Chamberlain commented, "I can’t wait to start getting to know people and to find out how I can best support clergy, lay leaders, and worshipping communities, as together we seek to faithfully follow Jesus, serve God’s mission, and step into all that God is calling us to in the years ahead." He views his appointment not just as a position of authority but as an opportunity to serve and enrich the faith community.
Chamberlain’s extensive background in various ecclesiastical roles highlights his readiness for this responsibility. He was ordained as a Priest in 1997 and has since held various key positions, including Associate Minister at St Matthew and St James in Liverpool, where he began his ministry in 1999. He also served as Associate Anglican Chaplain at the University of Liverpool and took on the pioneering position of Anglican Chaplain to the university while developing emerging church communities aimed at young adults.
From 2008 to 2011, he was Priest-in-Charge at St Mary’s, Wavertree, before becoming the Rector. His previous role as Area Dean of Toxteth and Wavertree, starting in 2012, further solidified his leadership credentials within the church before his current archdeaconry appointment in 2014.
Throughout his career, Chamberlain has contributed to the UK church's larger narrative. He is a member of the College of Archbishops’ Evangelists and has served on the General Synod of the Church of England since 2015, alongside his responsibilities on the Mission and Public Affairs Council since 2016.
As he prepares to embark on this new journey, he expressed excitement about developing initiatives that align with community needs, such as "Barnabas: Encouraging Confidence," a program he intends to champion within the Wakefield Episcopal Area. His ministry has often been guided by the belief that churches must be good news to their local communities, actively sharing God’s love.
Chamberlain concluded, "I look forward to discovering all that God is already doing through the ministry and witness of parish churches, mission initiatives, schools and chaplaincies across the Wakefield Episcopal Area, and to developing partnerships with local authorities, businesses, education institutions, charities and faith communities to serve the common good." This commitment to active engagement and collaborative service is likely to characterize his tenure in the Diocese of Leeds.
The new bishop’s appointment is viewed positively, signaling a revitalized approach to church leadership in a region rich with opportunities and challenges. As he steps into this pivotal role, both the church community and broader public will keenly observe how his vision unfolds in serving the spiritual needs and aspirations of West Yorkshire.
