It has been announced from 10 Downing Street that Revd Dr Jitesh Patel has been appointed as the new Bishop of Jarrow. He will be leaving his role at the College at the end of this term, prior to his consecration on Tuesday 8 December 2026 at York Minster.
As an integral part of the East Midlands Centre since its inception in 2019, as Assistant Centre Director Jitesh has played a significant role in its development, helping to shape both the life of the Centre and the experience of many students. Through his dedicated teaching, formational and pastoral work, he has enriched both the East Midlands Centre and the wider College community.
Revd Dr Sean Doherty, Executive Principal: “We are so grateful for Jitesh’s service to the college through his teaching, encouragement of students and commitment to our mission. We are delighted for him as he begins this next chapter and a new exciting step in his ministry and calling and, the gifts and blessings he will bring to the Diocese of Durham.”
Dr Sara Schumacher, Interim Dean: “Jitesh has made an important contribution to the College during his seven years as part of the staff team and we are so grateful for all he has brought to it, both locally within the East Midlands and in its national life. This is an exciting appointment and while Jitesh will be missed from the college community we are expectant for all that God will do in and through him as Bishop of Jarrow in service to the Church.”
Jitesh writes: “It is a privilege to have been called by God to be the next Bishop of Jarrow. I am really looking forward to getting to know and love the Diocese of Durham’s people and communities and partnering with all that the Holy Spirit is already doing in bringing renewal and transformation across the breadth of the diocese. I carry with me with enormous thankfulness for the memories and experiences of the past seven years at St Mellitus, where I have had the privilege of working with amazing colleagues and stewarding the lives and vocational development of hundreds of wonderful ordinands and students. It has been a joy to help lead the growth of the East Midlands centre from its birth through to its current flourishing life, and through my teaching to help impart a deeper love for God through the theological endeavour. I will be carrying into episcopal ministry many lessons I have learnt in my time at the college and will continue to be cheering it on from a distance as it seeks to be faithful to God’s calling in the next season.”
Read more on the Diocese of Durham’s website.