The diocese of Brighton and Arundel, which includes Rye and the surrounding villages, will shortly be welcoming a new bishop, Father Stephen Wang, who succeeds Archbishop Richard Moth who has held the position since 2015.
Father Wang was born in London in 1966 and grew up in Harpenden, Hertfordshire. He read Theology and Religious Studies at Cambridge University from 1986 to 1989, before undertaking priestly formation at the Venerable English College in Rome from 1992 to 1997.
He was ordained on 3 January 1998 and served the community in many different ways, including roles in academic institutions, acting as visiting priest at Wormwood Scrubs and vocations director for Westminster diocese.
Most recently, he was appointed rector of the Venerable English College in 2021, where he served for five years.
On hearing of his appointment, Bishop-elect Stephen Wang, said: “This appointment has come as a huge surprise. I feel a mixture of gratitude and trepidation; an excitement and curiosity about all that lies ahead; and above all, a sense of peace. I’m grateful to Pope Leo for calling me and putting his trust in me, and to Archbishop Moth for all his care for the diocese over these years.
“I’m sad to be leaving the Venerable English College, and the diocese of Westminster. But I am overjoyed at the thought of coming to Arundel and Brighton, getting to know the people, and working together to build God’s Kingdom. Coming from a landlocked diocese where the hills are no bigger than London buses, I look forward to some wild swimming and walks on the South Downs.”
The Mass of Episcopal Ordination and Installation will take place at the Cathedral Church of Our Lady and St Philip Howard, Arundel, in the autumn.
Image Credits: Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales .