A man who who has spread God’s word in every corner of the globe has returned to his roots to lead the Church of England in Cornwall.

The Reverend Canon Philip Mounstephen has been announced as the 16th Bishop of Truro, his nomination having been approved by the Queen.

Philip, 59, began his working life as a teacher. He was ordained as a deacon in 1988 and priested the following year.

He has served as chaplain of St Michael’s Church in Paris, where his multicultural congregation spoke around 40 languages, and most recently as the executive leader of the Church Mission Society, overseeing the work of hundreds of people in mission around the globe.

Philip has family roots in Tregony and in Truro, and says that he is absolutely delighted to have been called to lead the Diocese of Truro in mission and ministry.

’I rejoice in Cornwall’s strong sense of identity and I look forward under God into leading us in what I hope and pray will be a fruitful and exciting future.’

Philip has been warmly welcomed by the Bishop of St Germans, the Rt Revd Dr Chris Goldsmith, who has been acting Bishop of Truro since the departure of Bishop Tim Thornton in 2017.