Bishop Stephen Wright, Chair of the Board of Trustees
Flowers begin to bloom, the days grow longer and lighter, and hibernating animals awake from winter slumber. At Easter we celebrate the risen Christ – it is a time of renewal and new beginnings.
Speaking of new beginnings during Easter time, we’re excited to warmly welcome Bishop Stephen Wright to the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees of CAFOD.
In addition to chairing meetings with CAFOD’s Board, and regular one-to-one meetings with CAFOD’s Director Christine Allen, Bishop Stephen will be the primary liaison with the Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales, acting as a spokesperson for CAFOD.
Bishop Stephen will take over from Bishop John Arnold, who has worked with CAFOD for over a decade.
During his tenure with CAFOD, Bishop John travelled around the world to bear witness to our vital work with people living with poverty and on the frontlines of the climate crisis.
Responding to the announcement, CAFOD’s Director Christine Allen said:
“It is a great sadness to say goodbye to Bishop John, who has served us tremendously well for over a decade. We feel honoured to have so many bishops who are supportive of our work.
"I am delighted to welcome Bishop Stephen as our new Chair. He has already been an invaluable member of our board, and I look forward to working closely with him in the coming years.”
A celebratory Mass took place on 23 March to welcome Bishop Stephen as Chair, as well as providing an opportunity for CAFOD staff and supporters to say their farewells to Bishop John.
“I will remain a committed friend of CAFOD,” Bishop John said. “And I wish Bishop Stephen the best as he takes on this rewarding and exciting role.”
“It’s been a privilege to serve CAFOD for 13 years as its Chair. I will never forget the people I’ve met all over the world, from Niger to Cambodia, and getting to see how the extraordinary work of CAFOD and its partners is making a real difference to people’s lives.”
A committed CAFOD supporter
Bishop Stephen has long been a CAFOD supporter, helping to raise awareness and vital funds in his diocese of Birmingham. Just last year, he raised over £1,600 as part of the Walk Against Hunger challenge.
He told us:
“It is a privilege to be following in the footsteps of Bishop John, who has been a tireless champion for CAFOD. He has steered the organisation remarkably well, standing in solidarity with the poorest communities around the world. I look forward to doing the same, working alongside our talented and committed trustees, employees, partners, volunteers and supporters.
“Pope Francis’ call to care for our common home lies at the heart of CAFOD’s work. Our Catholic Christian mission is to serve our sisters and brothers throughout the world who are in need, recognising this can only be achieved by caring for the environment too. May the Lord continue to bless this work.”