Senior Clergy & Staff

The Bishop of Peterborough

The 39th Bishop of Peterborough is the Right Reverend Debbie Sellin. Bishop Debbie was installed at a service in Peterborough Cathedral on 3 March 2024.

Bishop Debbie was brought up in a rectory surrounded by church life, but a clear calling to ordained ministry came later in life, being drawn initially to work in a caring profession which resulted in a career in NHS Management.

It was whilst Bishop Debbie was caring for her own young family that she felt a definite call to ministry which deepened over time, leading her to begin her ordination training in 2004. Whilst serving in parish ministry she also took on the additional role of Area Dean, something that gave her a wider perspective and introduced her to the workings of the Diocese. From these roles, she was appointed Bishop of Southampton, something she describes as ‘exciting and daunting at the same time’, but felt ‘a deep sense that this was what God wanted for me that only grew stronger and stronger’.

One of Bishop Debbie’s priorities is to encourage parishes to thrive. She is dedicated to helping parishes in all different contexts be the best they can be; guiding them through vacancies, celebrating those who are flourishing and coming alongside those who would welcome additional support. She is also dedicated to working with young people; her commitment to faith developing at a Crusaders youth group and leading to her starting full-time ministry as a Children and Families Worker.

The Bishop of Brixworth

The Right Reverend Alex Hughes was consecrated to be the Bishop of Brixworth by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Westminster Abbey on 16 July.

Alex brings a wide breadth of experience from across the Church of England, having served in parish ministry, diocesan leadership and episcopal support roles. He was ordained in the Diocese of Oxford in 2000 and served his curacy at Headington Quarry before becoming Chaplain to the Bishop of Portsmouth. From 2008 to 2014 he was parish priest of St Luke’s and St Peter’s in inner-city Portsmouth and from 2014 to 2026 served as Archdeacon of Cambridge.

As Bishop of Brixworth, Alex will hold responsibility for different ministry areas, including education, something that Alex describes as being ‘in my DNA’. Both his parents were teachers, and he has held significant governance roles within church schools, including chairing governing bodies at both primary and secondary level and holding the role of Chair of the Diocesan Board of Education in Ely Diocese for 12 years.

Alongside his work in education, Alex has experience of both urban and rural ministry. As Archdeacon of Cambridge he has oversight of a large and diverse area, including the city and its rural surroundings. ‘My favourite day of the week is Sunday’ he says, ‘I love being out among the parishes, whether it’s a big service with hundreds of people or just a tiny little village church with 3 or 4 faithful worshippers and a cat.’

Throughout his life and ministry Alex has enjoyed the full range of church traditions, including visiting 3 different churches across the week whilst at university, which alongside his varied roles he describes as giving him ‘an unusually wide appreciation of the Church of England’.

Alex is married to Sarah, a psychotherapist, and they have two sons, Thomas and Joseph. A keen musician, Alex finds joy in listening to live music in all its forms, from rock and roll to classical orchestral pieces. An enthusiastic runner, his other favourite mode of transport is his beloved motorbike.

The Bishops of Peterborough and Brixworth are supported by a central office. The Bishops’ Office works very closely together, but each member has their own responsiblities.

Andrew Birks

Senior Chaplain to the Bishop of Peterborough

Alex Tolley

Executive Assistant to the Bishop of Peterborough

Rachel Lomas

Personal Assistant to the Bishop of Peterborough

Jo Oldaker

Administrator to the Bishops Office

The PA to the Bishop of Brixworth post is currently vacant. Please contact Rachel Lomas who is temporarily covering this role.

The Bishops’ Office is open Monday and Friday 9:30am – 2:30pm and Tuesday to Thursday 9:30am – 4:30pm, and can be contacted on 01733 562492 or please email one of the staff above.

To contact the Bishop direct, please email Bishop Debbie

Assistant Bishops

There are four retired bishops licensed to work as Assistant Bishops in the Diocese.

If you wish to contact an Assistant Bishop regarding confirmations please contact Rachel Lomas in the Bishops’ Office at rachel.lomas@peterborough-diocese.org.uk. If you wish for an Assistant Bishop to lead a parish service please speak with your Rural Dean.