Rachel Treweek

Official portrait of The Lord Bishop of Gloucester crop 2

Rachel Treweek is a prominent figure in the Church of England, known for her significant contributions to the church's ministry and her historic role as the first female Diocesan bishop in the Church of England. She has been serving as the Bishop of Gloucester since 2015, a position that marks her as one of the leading voices in the Anglican Communion for gender equality, social justice, and the inclusion of all people within the church.

Early Life and Education

Rachel Treweek was born in 1963. She pursued her higher education at the University of Reading, where she earned a degree in Linguistics. Following her initial career in speech and language therapy, Treweek felt a calling to the ministry, which led her to train for ordination at Wycliffe Hall, Oxford, a theological college with a strong evangelical tradition within the Church of England.

Ordination and Ministry

Treweek was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 1994 and as a priest in 1995, the first year women were ordained to the priesthood in the Church of England. She served in various roles across the church, including parish ministry and diocesan leadership positions. Her early ministry was marked by a focus on pastoral care, community engagement, and the development of ministry teams.

Before her appointment as Bishop of Gloucester, Treweek held the position of Archdeacon of Hackney in the Diocese of London. Her work in London was notable for her emphasis on urban ministry and social justice, as well as her efforts to foster vocations among women and underrepresented groups within the church.

Bishop of Gloucester

In 2015, Rachel Treweek was appointed as the Bishop of Gloucester, making history as the first woman to serve as a diocesan bishop in the Church of England. Her consecration was a landmark event in the church's journey towards greater inclusivity and gender equality.

As Bishop of Gloucester, Treweek has focused on themes of reconciliation, social justice, and the importance of community. She has been an advocate for the full inclusion of women in all orders of ministry and has worked to address issues of poverty, inequality, and the treatment of prisoners. Treweek's leadership is characterized by her commitment to listening to the voices of those on the margins of society and the church.

Advocacy and Public Engagement

Beyond her diocesan responsibilities, Bishop Treweek has been involved in broader societal issues, including advocating for gender equality, the protection of children online, and addressing the challenges faced by women in prison. She has been a member of the House of Lords since 2015, where she uses her platform to speak on matters of faith, justice, and social cohesion.

Personal Life

Rachel Treweek is married to Guy Treweek, who is also an ordained priest in the Church of England. They share a commitment to the ministry and to supporting each other's vocational callings.

Legacy and Impact

Bishop Rachel Treweek's ministry has had a profound impact on the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion. Her historic appointment as the first female diocesan bishop has paved the way for other women to assume leadership roles within the church. Treweek's dedication to social justice, inclusivity, and the pastoral care of her diocese continues to inspire many within and beyond the church.