The Diocese of Glasgow & Galloway has chosen a new Bishop. The Rev Canon Dr Nicholas John Bundock was elected yesterday (18 January) as the new Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway. He will be consecrated and take his new post later in the year. Nick becomes Bishop-elect, following the retirement of the Rt Rev Kevin Pearson who served the Diocese as Bishop for five years.

The Bishop-elect accepted the post following a vote of the Electoral Synod which took place at Holy Trinity & St Barnabas, Paisley, where he received over half of the votes in each house, with clergy and lay representatives from congregations across the Diocese voting.

Nick is currently the Team Rector of St James and Emmanuel, Didsbury, in the Diocese of Manchester in the Church of England. During his time there, he has developed and led an inclusive ministry known as ‘Church for Everyone,’ which has been transformative in creating vibrant, welcoming, and growing communities for people of all backgrounds, including those who have often felt excluded from traditional church settings.

He studied Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Sheffield and the University of North Texas, before training for ordination at the University of Cambridge and Ridley Hall Theological College. He was ordained deacon in 2002 and priest in 2003, serving his curacy at St Saviour’s, High Green in the Diocese of Sheffield. In 2005, he became Team Vicar, then in 2010, Team Rector at St James and Emmanuel, Didsbury, in the Diocese of Manchester. In 2024, he was made an Honorary Canon of Manchester Cathedral.

Following the election, the Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most Rev Mark Strange said: “I am delighted to welcome Nick as Bishop-elect into this new season of ministry in the Scottish Episcopal Church.

“I would also like to thank everyone who took part in the process—those who offered themselves and tested their discernment, as well as members of the Electoral Synod, Diocesan Council, Preparatory Committee, Diocesan staff and Bishop Andrew, Convener of the Electoral Process, for their prayerful work.

“Please keep Nick and Rachel in your prayers as we plan his consecration and new beginnings in Scotland.”

Bishop-elect Nick said: “I am deeply humbled and honoured to have been called to serve as the Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway. This is a diocese with a rich history, vibrant communities, and a deep commitment to embodying the love of Christ in every corner of its life.

“Throughout the discernment process, I have been moved by the openness, warmth, and faithfulness of the people I have encountered. It is with great joy that I look forward to walking alongside clergy, laity and their wider communities as we seek to nurture and grow God’s Kingdom together.

“As we face the challenges and opportunities of this time, I am inspired by the diocese’s vision of inclusion, justice, and hope. I firmly believe that the Scottish Episcopal Church has a unique voice to share in today’s world, and I am committed to supporting and encouraging all who contribute to its mission and ministry.

“I ask for your prayers as I prepare to take on this role, and I offer mine in return for the flourishing of this diocese and its people. Together, may we step boldly into the future, confident in the transforming power of God’s love to create a Church for Everyone.”

The Rt Rev David Walker, Bishop of Manchester said: “I’m delighted that Nick’s episcopal calling has been recognised. We have seen his gifts and talents growing ever stronger during his time in Manchester Diocese. Whilst we will miss him here, I am confident that this is the right next stage in his journey as a minister in Christ’s Church.”