Bishop Debbie, who was born in Dumfries, Scotland, was ordained in Guildford Diocese in 2008, following a first career in NHS Management and then working as the Family and Children’s Worker for her church while she had a young family. Sensing the call to ordination, she trained through the Southern Theological Education and Training Scheme and served her curacy at St Saviour, Guildford (2007-2010). She was then Vicar of Wonersh (2010-2019) and Area Dean of Cranleigh (2015-2019).
During her time as Bishop of Southampton, Bishop Debbie has been involved in a variety of roles. As non-executive chair of Love Southampton, she has pursued her passion for seeing social transformation through ecumenical outreach and community engagement. She has also been an Ambassador of the Rose Road Association which provides care for children and young adults with complex physical and learning disabilities. As Acting Bishop of Winchester, Debbie has led the diocese through an unsettled time following significant leadership challenges, to a place of restored reconciliation and unity.
Speaking of the recent appointment of the next Bishop of Winchester, Philip Mounstephen, who will be installed in January 2024, Bishop Debbie says, “I am only sorry not to be working with Bishop Philip! But I know the diocese is in good hands – this is such an exciting time and I believe there is a really good story ahead.”
The Very Reverend Catherine Ogle, Dean of Winchester said, ‘This is great news for the diocese of Peterborough. In her time in Winchester Diocese Debbie has made a tremendous difference to the tone and content of diocesan leadership. As acting Bishop of Winchester she has held us during difficult times with both fortitude and kindness. Here At the cathedral, we have greatly appreciated her ministry and her valuing too of our particular calling. We will miss her and Paul. Peterborough will be richly blessed in their next Bishop.’
Bishop Philip Mounstephen said, ‘I’m just delighted that Bishop Debbie has been called to be the next Bishop of Peterborough, and I know that the prayers and thanks of very many people in the Diocese of Winchester will go with her. If I have one regret it is that I won’t get to work with her, but I do know how very significant her ministry and leadership in the Diocese has been over the last two years, bringing a renewed sense of healing and hope. I, along with many others, thank God for her and pray for his rich blessing upon her and Paul for this next stage of life and ministry.’
David Williams, Bishop of Basingstoke said, ‘Bishop Debbie’s courageous leadership has enabled us to grow as a collaborative team and her willingness to both encourage and challenge have been gifts we have deeply appreciated. Her call to Peterborough will be our loss – but is accompanied by our own prayers and warm commendation.’
Bishop Debbie will be installed as Bishop of Peterborough at a service at Peterborough Cathedral in early 2024.
