New Bishop of Willesden announced

The Revd Canon Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy, currently Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) Mission and Ministry Enabler in the Diocese of Leicester, has today been announced as the Diocese of London’s next Bishop of Willesden, covering the boroughs of Brent, Ealing, Harrow and Hillingdon.

The official announcement from Downing Street came while Canon Lusa visited Twyford School, a leading Church of England School in Acton, students from which played a role in deciding his appointment. The Sixth Form students, who judged sermons from shortlisted candidates, this morning welcomed Lusa and the Bishop of London, Sarah Mullally, at a special assembly, with Alice Hudson, Executive Head Teacher of Twyford CofE Academies Trust.

As part of today’s introduction to the Willesden Area, Canon Lusa will meet clergy and interfaith leaders from the local community.

He will be consecrated in January 2022, and will join the College of Bishops in the Diocese of London. He succeeds the Rt Revd Pete Broadbent as Bishop of Willesden, who served as Bishop for 20 years.

Lusa was ordained in 2008 and served as an Assistant Curate in the Diocese of Canterbury, before becoming Vicar of St Aidan, Gravesend in 2012. In 2017 he was appointed BAME Mission and Ministry Enabler in the Diocese of Leicester, wherein he oversaw an increase in representation and participation of those from UK Minority Ethnic (UKME) backgrounds in the life and structures of Leicester Diocese.

The Revd Canon Lusa Nsenga-Ngoy, the next Bishop of Willesden, said:

“It is a real privilege to be called to join the work that God is doing in Willesden. I am eager to experience the wealth of diversity in heritage and culture that make up the communities of West London. I look forward to strengthen existing bonds across churches and the wider community, as we tackle together some of the big issues facing us all. As the next Bishop of Willesden, my hope is to share the love of Jesus with confidence, compassion, and imagination.
“It has been a pleasure to meet the school children responsible, in-part, for my appointment. I hope that I can deliver on their faith in me. I will, of course, carry with me precious memories of life and ministry in the diocese of Leicester, especially the gifts of curiosity, attentiveness, and generosity.”

The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, said:

“It is a joy to join with Lusa and his family today as this announcement is made. I know we will all learn and benefit from Lusa’s leadership and wisdom as we welcome him into our Diocese. It is fitting that we have heard the news today at one of our own church schools, Twyford Church of England High School, where some of the students helped in the selection process for the new Bishop. It is for them, and for every Londoner, that we spread the Good News, as part of our 2030 Vision.”

Honey Ryder, a Deputy Head Girl & A Level Religious Studies Student at Twyford School, said:

“It was an honour to be a part of the selection process for the Bishop of Willesden. All of the candidates spoke excellently and gave really insightful, thought-provoking presentations. We look forward to finding out who is appointed and we will be rooting for them wholeheartedly.”