Nigeria-born Woyin Karowei Dorgu has been ordained as a Church of England bishop in the diocese of Woolwich in south-east London.
He’s the first black Church of England bishop to be appointed in 20 years.
Fifty-eight-year-old Dorgu was born and brought up in Nigeria, where he trained as a doctor.
He studied at the London Bible College for his BA. He also studied for his ordination at Oak Hill Theological College from 1993 to 1995.
Dorgu who holds an MA in missiology is married to Mosun, a consultant child psychiatrist.
In the statement announcing Dr Dorgu’s appointment as Bishop of Woolwich, Bishop Christopher of the Diocese of Southwark said, “Karowei will be joining the Episcopal team in Southwark Diocese as the 13th Bishop of Woolwich.
“He brings a wealth of experience of urban parish ministry and has a real passion for evangelism and reaching out to those who are not churched with the love of Christ.
“Karowei signals life and an infectious faith, the first qualification for a Christian minister. He has reached across the wide spectrum of ethnicity in Islington and has built up a substantial multi-racial congregation at St John’s Upper Holloway.
“He is committed to the growth and flourishing of the Church and has a pastoral heart which will equip him well for his new Episcopal ministry.
“The Diocese of Southwark is committed to bringing the face of leadership into alignment with the faces in the pews and Karowei will, by God’s grace, be an attractive role model to many who are considering their call to discipleship and ministry.
“It became clear to me in the appointment process that Karowei was the person God is calling to be Bishop of Woolwich. He joins a gifted team with Hearts on Fire with the love of Christ eager to serve our parishes and the nearly three million people of South London and East Surrey. I greatly look forward to working with him and to welcoming Karowei and Mosun to the Diocese.”
