The Rt Revd Sophie Jelley has been confirmed as the new Bishop of Coventry by the Bishop of London in a service at Lambeth Palace in London on the 14th February 2025. The ceremony, which includes elements of a medieval court of law, is known as the Confirmation of Election.
During the ceremony, Bishop Sophie was required to take oaths on the Bible and sign a Declaration of Assent. The Vicar General then confirmed she had legally become the tenth Bishop of Coventry.
During the service, the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd Sarah Mullally, gave Bishop Sophie instructions for her new role, known as a Charge. She said: “The commission discerned that you are called to be ‘A prayerful pastor, teacher and reconciler’, ‘A passionate, visionary and strategic leader in mission and evangelism’, ‘A shaper and communicator of strategy’ and ‘A prophetic voice’.”
Commenting on the confirmation, Bishop Sophie said: “It was a joy to be Confirmed as the Bishop of Coventry on Friday. I was grateful to be supported by colleagues from both Sheffield and Coventry who have been such a gift to me in this time of transition. I am delighted to have been called to Coventry Diocese and look forward to seeing you very soon!”
Bishop Sophie will begin her public ministry on 7 June this year when her Welcome and Installation Service will take place at Coventry Cathedral.
Further details of the welcome service will follow and Bishop Sophie has recently written to the diocese in more detail.