Media Centre
Rt Reverend Michael Langrish
THE RT. REVD. MICHAEL LANGRISH
BISHOP OF EXETER
“The Eddystone Trust is an organisation that not only seeks to develop positive policies, strategies and actions, but it is also an organisation with a very positive ethos and culture. It is a happy and hopeful organisation with which to be associated as I know from my own relationship as a near neighbour.”
Bishop Michael was enthroned in Exeter Cathedral as the 70th Bishop of Exeter on 1st April 2000, having previously served as Bishop of Birkenhead in the Diocese of Chester.
“I am married to Esther with three children, two of whom are married. We have one granddaughter.
I am passionate about the County, its history and people. I love its diversity, and enjoy its beautiful walking country. I chair the County’s Strategic Partnership and am a member of Exeter University Council. I contribute regularly to the local media.
I have always been interested in education and work with young people. A schoolmaster and College Lecturer before ordination, much of my subsequent ministry has involved work with schools and a range or issues relating to children and young people in need. I am a Fellow of the Brathay Trust, a Cumbrian based initiative which brings together a concern for young people at risk, a commitment to developing qualities of leadership and character and the conservation of the environment.
National church responsibilities are primarily in the field of Mission and Public Affairs. I am Chairman of the Church’s Rural Affairs Committee and a member of the Carnegie Commission on Rural Community Development. Next months sees the launch of “Changing Rural Life”, a book by 14 Anglican Bishops, to which I have contributed. I also serve on the Board of Christian Aid and am Chairman of the Melanesian Mission UK. I have enjoyed visiting Melanesia several times and next month I shall be visiting Senegal with Christian Aid to look at the impact of trade and development policies on rural poverty.
The Middle East is another personal interest, particularly Israel/Palestine. This is supported through a Diocesan link with the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, and a strong Centre for Islamic and Arabic studies at Exeter University.
Recreational interests include cricket, theatre (we are very committed to the local theatre and I enjoy London theatre when time permits), music (although opportunities for live concerts in Devon are limited) and reading – in addition to theology, I tend to read history, biographies and contemporary novels. Like many clergy I have a passing interest in railways. I am also keen on gardens. The Bishop’s Palace in Exeter has a large garden, for which I have plans, but unfortunately I have too little time to spend in it”.
Bishop Michael has been a patron of The Eddystone Trust (formally Positive Action South West) for a number of years. He has been a keen supporter of our work having allowed us to use The Bishop’s Palace house and gardens for fundraising events such as fetes and auctions. He has opened our Regional HIV Conference and The Exeter Cathedral ‘Christmas Celebration’ in 2008.
