The ordination and consecration of the Ven Dr Fiona Gibson as Bishop of Taunton in the Diocese of Bath and Wells took place this morning (6 February 2026) at Southwark Cathedral. Bishop Fiona was consecrated and ordained alongside The Ven Jean Burgess, the Bishop of Grimsby in the Diocese of Lincoln. The Most Revd Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, presided over the service.
Fiona will be welcomed to our diocese at Evensong at Wells Cathedral on Sunday, 8 February, at which all are welcome.
Fiona was presented for ordination and consecration by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, as receiving Bishop, and the Bishop of Hereford, the sending bishop. During the service, David Gibson, Fiona’s husband, read Lamentations 3.52-60. The second reading was from Galatians 2.19 – 3.6, daughter of Jean Burgess. The sermon was given by the Revd Canon Jo McKee, Head of Leadership and Development & Director of the Arrow Programme Church Pastoral Aid Society.
Addressing the congregation during the ordination, the Archbishop said, “Bishops are called to serve and care the flock of Christ. Mindful of the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for his sheep, they are to love and pray for those committed to their charge, knowing their people and being known by them.”
Later in the service the archbishop and other bishops present laid their hands on each ordinand in turn. Fiona and Jean were then both presented with a Bible by the Archbishop of York, who then anointed the new bishops, and gave them their pectoral cross and episcopal ring. The new bishops were then welcomed with heartfelt applause by those present. At the end of the service both bishops were given their pastoral staff.
You can download the order of service below.
We will be updating the website throughout the weekend of celebrations. Keep an eye on things throughout the weekend and next week too on here and on the Bath and Wells Facebook page.