The Reverend Dr Michael Volland
The Reverend Dr Michael Volland, currently Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, will be consecrated as Bishop of Birmingham on Thursday 30 November, the Feast of St. Andrew. After he has paid homage to the King, Dr Volland will be installed in Birmingham at a date to be announced. He succeeds The Right Reverend David Urquhart, following his retirement in October 2022.
Until Dr Volland's installation, The Rt Revd Anne Hollinghurst, Bishop of Aston, will continue as the Acting Bishop of Birmingham and her office and support staff should be contacted in connection with any such matters.
Michael took up his current role as Principal of Ridley Hall, in January 2017. Before moving to Cambridge, he taught mission, evangelism and church planting to ordinands at Cranmer Hall in Durham, alongside leading the East Durham Mission Project, working with parishes in former mining communities as well as serving as Area Dean of Easington. Michael was educated at Northumbria University, King’s College London and Durham University, and trained for ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge.
During his time in Cambridge, Michael has served as President of the Cambridge Theological Federation and as Chair of the national TEI Principals Steering Group. He is currently a member of the Ministry Council of the Church of England. While ministering in the northeast, Michael was chaplain to Durham Army Cadet Force. He was ordained in 2006 and served his title at Gloucester Cathedral.
Michael grew up in Reading where he attended a state secondary school and spent his evenings and weekends with the Boys Brigade and Army Cadets. After a foundation course in Art and Design, Michael spent three years studying sculpture at the University of Northumbria in Newcastle and several years as a practising artist, funded by working on construction sites. Michael ministered in two parish contexts for six years before being ordained, serving as a youth and children’s worker. His Masters degree, from King's College London, focused on youth ministry and theological education. Michael’s doctoral research work at Durham University, The Minister as Entrepreneur, was published by SPCK in 2015 and his other published work is in the areas of ecclesiology, fresh expressions and leadership, most recently, Accepted in the Beloved: Practical Wisdom for Christian Leaders.
Michael is married to Rachel, an early-years teacher, and together they have three children. He is a keen runner, and regularly participates in ultramarathons to raise funds for causes such as Shelter. He has been a member of Christian Surfers for many years.
All press and media enquiries should be made to the Director of Communications by email at comms@cofebirmingham.com.