Archbishops Appoint New Chairman of the Hospital Chaplaincies Council
Wednesday 8th November 2006
The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Archbishop of York have appointed the Bishop of Gloucester, The Right Reverend Michael Perham, to be Chairman of the Hospital Chaplaincies Council and also lead Bishop for matters concerning the National Health Service, in succession to the Bishop of St Albans.Bishop Michael will also be a Vice Chairman of the Mission and Public Affairs Council. He takes up these additional responsibilities in January 2007.
Hospital chaplains have been part of the NHS since its inception and are at the cutting edge of the ministry to and care for the sick, their relatives, and the 1.3 million staff who work within the NHS. Their work was celebrated and affirmed in a General Synod debate in February 2006.
The Archbishop of York welcomed the appointment;
"During this crucial time for health care chaplaincy I am delighted that someone of Michael's calibre is heading up the Hospital Chaplaincies Council. Bishop Michael offers a wealth of experience which will prove invaluable at this time."
The Bishop of Gloucester also said the appointment came at a crucial time;
"I welcome this appointment and look forward to supporting chaplains in the vital ministry they offer day by day. This is a critical time for the NHS and for chaplaincy as we seek to preserve the holistic care to which the health service is committed."