Diocese of Coventry facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Diocese of Coventry Dioecesis Coventriensis
Coat of arms
Flag
Location
Ecclesiastical province	Canterbury
Archdeaconries	Warwick, Coventry
Statistics
Parishes	199
Churches	245
Information
Cathedral	Coventry Cathedral
Language	English
Current leadership
Bishop	Ruth Worsley, Acting Bishop of Coventry and Bishop of Taunton
Suffragan	Bishop of Warwick (vacant; Saju Muthalaly, Bishop of Loughborough is part-time Assistant Bishop of Coventry)
Archdeacons	Barry Dugmore, Archdeacon Missioner (Archdeacon of Warwick) Archdeacon Pastor/Archdeacon of Coventry (vacant)
Website
Official website: https://www.coventry.anglican.org/

The Diocese of Coventry is a special area within the Church of England. It is like a region that a bishop looks after. The main leader is the Bishop of Coventry. This bishop works from Coventry Cathedral in the city of Coventry.

The diocese also has a helper bishop, called the Bishop of Warwick. The area covered by this diocese includes Coventry and the county of Warwickshire.

This diocese is split into two main parts called archdeaconries. These are Warwick and Coventry. Each archdeaconry is then divided into smaller areas called deaneries. For example, Warwick archdeaconry has deaneries like Shipston and Warwick & Leamington. Coventry archdeaconry includes areas like Rugby and Nuneaton.

The Diocese of Coventry was created on 6 September 1918. It was formed from a part of the Diocese of Worcester.

It's interesting to know that there was an older diocese with a similar name. This ancient diocese is now called the Diocese of Lichfield. It was known as the "Diocese of Coventry" for a while, then "Coventry and Lichfield," and later "Lichfield and Coventry." Eventually, Coventry became part of the Diocese of Worcester again in 1837.

Meet the Bishops

The main leader of the diocese is the Bishop of Coventry. This bishop is usually helped by another bishop, known as the Bishop of Warwick. Right now, both of these main bishop roles are empty.

However, there are temporary bishops helping out. Since November 2023, Ruth Worsley is the Acting Bishop of Coventry. She is also the Bishop of Taunton in another diocese. Also, Saju Muthalaly is helping as an Assistant Bishop of Coventry. He is also the Bishop of Loughborough.

Archdeacons and Their Roles

The Diocese of Coventry is divided into two main areas called archdeaconries. These are Warwick and Coventry. Each archdeaconry has a special leader called an archdeacon.

What makes Coventry unique is how these archdeacons work. Instead of just one archdeacon for each area, they have different roles. One is called the Archdeacon Missioner. This person focuses on helping the church grow and reach out to people. The other is the Archdeacon Pastor. This person looks after the well-being of the clergy and parishes.

Currently, Barry Dugmore is the Archdeacon Missioner. The role of Archdeacon Pastor is currently empty. These roles help the Bishop lead the diocese and support its many churches and communities.