On 11 September 2026, the day of his announcement as the new Bishop of Warwick, Revd Canon Dr Tim Lomax, went on a whistle stop tour of the diocese, accompanied by his wife Kate.
The tour included visiting parishes, schools and charities, as well as meeting future colleagues.
The Revd Canon Dr Tim Lomax started the day at Harris Church of England Academy in Rugby, where his appointment was announced by Bishop Sophie in their school assembly to (specially permitted) whoops and cheers from the pupils.
After this time of Collective worship Tim travelled to Vernons Lane in Nuneaton to visit Saints Bar Pool, a recently opened community hub dedicated to bringing people together, tackling inequality and creating opportunities. Tim had the opportunity to view this transformed community space and chat to the staff at this initiative from Together for Change (TFC) which is run in partnership with local churches and Warwickshire County Council. He also got chance to sample the excellent coffee and cake.
Next up was St Oswalds, Tile Hill, Coventry, where Tim enjoyed more coffee and conversation with Fr Ed of all that is going on at St Oswald's including their Community Food Club. There was also time for a quick chat with Neil Masih, our Intercultural Mission Enabler about racial justice work happening across the diocese.
Travelling into the centre of Coventry, there was then time for a few photos in Coventry Cathedral ruins before meeting future colleagues for lunch in the nearby diocesan office, including Bishop’s Senior Staff Team, cathedral and diocesan staff. Over a delicious buffet spread, Tim shared a few words, as well as having the chance for informal conversations.
At 3pm the Bishop designate joined the short vigil of prayer and reflection in Coventry Cathedral ruins to mark the 25th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11. In this place dedicated to reconciliation and peace, Tim led part of the service, alongside Canon Nitano Muller and Acting Dean Canon Kate Massey and as those gathered remembered the victims of terrorism and violence, prayed for healing and peace among nations, and recommitted themselves to building a more just and compassionate world.
Following this, Tim dropped in to Holy Trinity, Hatton where he chatted, prayed and ate chocolate brownies with some key lay leaders and the Revd Ann Peachey in their rural context. Finally, he headed to Holy Trinity, Stratford upon Avon, to round off a full schedule with a chance to pause, pray, reflect and worship at their Evensong service.
The service was led by The Rev'd Patrick Taylor, featured prayers from their Associate Minster, Matt Ford and an invitation for Tim to speak after the anthem. Guests included local dignitaries Lord Lieutenant Tim Cox, High Sheriff Warwickshire Susan Rasmussen with her Chaplain Esther Peers, Mayor of Stratford Sam McNaught Barrow, The Marquess of Hertford -High Steward of Stratford-upon-Avon Henry Seymour. Also in attendance were local headteachers, Jo Hererro of Holy Trinity Primary School and Bennet Carr of Headmaster King Edward VI Grammar School, and Fr Oliver Holt OSB from the Roman Catholic Parish of St. Gregory, Stratford.
Tim has now returned to the Diocese of St Albans where he is currently Director of Mission and Ministry and a Residentiary Canon of St Albans Cathedral. Tim will be consecrated as a Bishop on Friday 6 November in Southwark Cathedral, all are welcome. He will join our diocese from Saturday 14 November when there will be a service of welcome and installation at Coventry Cathedral. More details will be announced nearer the time and all are welcome.
Tim says:
"What a joy-filled day it was. Kate and I were deeply touched by the warmth and generosity of the welcome we received everywhere we went and especially by the many people who assured us of their prayers as we prepare to move and make Coventry and Warwickshire our home. Throughout the day we met so many people whose love for God, for the Church and for the communities they serve shone through. We came away with a real sense of hope in Christ and enormously grateful for the kindness, encouragement and welcome we received. There is so much to look forward to and I’m excited to begin getting to know the people and places of the diocese and ministering along side you."