- Bishop Anne Hollinghurst has been Bishop of Aston since 2015
- She became Birmingham’s first female bishop in 2015
- Her degree was awarded for promoting intercultural relations, diversity and inclusion.
Aston University has awarded the Rt Revd Anne Hollinghurst, Bishop of Aston, an honorary doctorate.
Bishop Anne was recognised for her significant contribution to the promotion of positive intercultural and interfaith relations, diversity, inclusion and addressing issues of inequality.
She received the honour at a graduation ceremony presided over by Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, on 22 July 2024 at a ceremony at Eastside Rooms in Birmingham.
After graduating with a BA in theology from the University of Bristol in 1996, Bishop Anne was ordained a priest in the Church of England in 1997. She spent time ministering in some of Nottingham’s poorest communities, before becoming Anglican chaplain for the University of Derby and a chaplain of Derby Cathedral, lecturing on religion and gender in the religious studies department of the University of Derby.
In 2005, Bishop Anne was appointed domestic chaplain to the Bishop of Manchester, Nigel McCulloch. In 2010, she completed a Master of Studies (MSt) degree in Jewish-Christian relations and in the same year became the vicar of St Peter's Church, St Albans. In 2011, she was elected a member of the House of Clergy of the General Synod.
Bishop Anne was named as the 10th Bishop of Aston on 2 July 2015, becoming Birmingham’s first female bishop. She also served as Acting Bishop of Birmingham from October 2022 until February 2024, following the retirement of the Rt Revd David Urquhart, until the Rt Revd Dr Michael Volland took up appointment.
Her particular focus as Bishop of Aston has been in the area of mission, ministry and vocations. She has also been a part of the Faith and Order Commission of the Church of England and has particular interests in the church’s engagement with further education, social and affordable housing and modern slavery. In October she follows her life-long interest in Higher Education and formation for ministry, as she becomes Principal of the Queen’s Foundation, Birmingham.
Bishop Anne said:
“I feel immensely honoured to be awarded an honorary degree by Aston University. I first visited the University 20 years ago when chaplain and lecturer at the University of Derby and was inspired by its pioneering interfaith chaplaincy. I am excited by the University’s vision today of being inclusive, entrepreneurial and transformational. We need universities like Aston where the lives of so many are transformed, and who in turn enrich and transform our global society - bringing it closer to what from my faith perspective, looks a little more like the Kingdom of God.”
Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, said:
“Bishop Anne’s outlook and interests align closely to those of Aston University, and she has been keen to build meaningful relationships with the University at all levels.
“She is a champion of diversity and inclusion, particularly regarding access to education and vocational opportunity, the role and ministry of women, racial justice and equality for the LGBTQI+ community, supporting the Church of England’s current Living in Love and Faith process.
“She has done much to promote positive intercultural and interfaith relations in Birmingham and the West Midlands and is an excellent role model.”
- Notes to Editors
About Aston University
For over a century, Aston University’s enduring purpose has been to make our world a better place through education, research and innovation, by enabling our students to succeed in work and life, and by supporting our communities to thrive economically, socially and culturally.
Aston University’s history has been intertwined with the history of Birmingham, a remarkable city that once was the heartland of the Industrial Revolution and the manufacturing powerhouse of the world.
Born out of the First Industrial Revolution, Aston University has a proud and distinct heritage dating back to our formation as the School of Metallurgy in 1875, the first UK College of Technology in 1951, gaining university status by Royal Charter in 1966, and becoming the Guardian University of the Year in 2020.
Building on our outstanding past, we are now defining our place and role in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (and beyond) within a rapidly changing world.
For media inquiries in relation to this release, contact Helen Tunnicliffe, Press and Communications Manager, on (+44) 7827 090240 or email: h.tunnicliffe@aston.ac.uk.
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