The Venerable Tricia Hillas appointed the next Bishop of Sodor and Man

Tricia has been Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster since 2021 and has also served as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons from February 2020. In addition to her current roles at the Abbey and the House of Commons, Tricia is a member of the Archbishops' Racial Justice Commission.

Congratulating Canon Hillas on her new role, the Dean of Westminster, the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, said:

'Whilst we are sorry to be losing Tricia, who has been such a splendid colleague, we are delighted for her, for Andrew and for the Diocese as we think about all that lies ahead. As Archdeacon, responsible for the care of residents and colleagues, Tricia has been compassionate in crisis and wise in counsel. She is profoundly committed to the building of a just and equitable society and we are better thanks to her vision and her diligence. She reminds us there is still work to do. With humour, with style and with energy she has done so much to build relationships across Parliament Square and within the precincts. In the Abbey, her ministry has rested on a deeply understood faith, lived out in word and action. She leaves with our thanks and our prayers.'

Commenting on the news, Tricia Hillas said:

'After many years visiting as a guest I am thrilled to be called to make my home on the Island, along with Andrew my husband, and to serve all her people as the next Bishop of Sodor and Man. As Bishop I am keen to get to know people of all ages and from all parts of the Island and to be known by them. I eagerly look forward to being part of a church and wider community which have deep roots in faith, going back over 1,500 years, and which at the same time are moving ahead into God’s future. As almost anyone who has shared in the unfolding story of the Abbey will know, to be part of the Abbey at any time is such a profound experience. To have shared in the joys and sorrows, the solemnity and celebration of these past years has been life-changing. In the midst of all this the personal conversations, the shared endeavours and glimpses into the sheer hard work, the kindnesses and encouragement, and all that I’ve learned from colleagues right across the Abbey have been the greatest gifts of all.'

Tricia is expected to leave the Abbey and take up her new role in the autumn.

More about Tricia Hillas

Born in Kuala Lumpur to an Indian mother and a British father, Tricia Hillas moved to the UK with her family in 1971. She was ordained in 2002 following a career as a youth and community worker and a social worker, for part of which she specialised in supporting those diagnosed with HIV and AIDS.

Before becoming Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons and Priest in Charge at St-Mary-at-Hill, City of London, she was Canon Pastor at St Paul's Cathedral.

Further reading

Read the full announcement on the Diocese of Sodor and Man’s website