Bishop Tim Wambunya of Wolverhampton reflects with gratitude on Bishop Michael Ipgrave's ministry following his retirement.
Bishop Michael’s ministry in Lichfield has ended. I feel deep gratitude and affection, and a real sense of personal loss. It has been an extraordinary privilege to serve alongside a bishop whose leadership has combined graciousness, courage, intentionality, humility and genuine pastoral warmth.
As we celebrate Black History Month this October, I have a particular reason to give thanks for Michael’s courageous and deliberate decision to appoint a Black African bishop to Wolverhampton. For me, this was far more than a personal honour. It was a powerful expression of his conviction that the Church’s leadership should reflect the richness and diversity of the communities it serves. Such courage and intentionality in recognising, trusting and releasing leaders from historically underrepresented backgrounds remain too rare. Michael’s example has set him apart in my experience, and I shall always be grateful for the confidence he placed in me.
This commitment reflects Michael’s broader approach to racial justice. He has sought to embed it in the Church’s ordinary life through appointments, leadership development, governance and accountability, rather than treating it as a separate concern. He has encouraged churches to move beyond multicultural attendance towards genuinely intercultural communities, where people fully share in worship, relationships, discipleship, leadership and mission. His commitment to nurturing younger leaders, women, UKME and Global Majority Heritage Christians, lay ministers, and those whose vocations follow less conventional pathways has been particularly encouraging. With Michael’s encouragement, we in Lichfield diocese are developing a pastorally friendly model for integrating overseas ordained clergy into the Church of England.
I have also greatly valued Michael’s generous and trusting approach to episcopal leadership. He has entrusted colleagues with meaningful responsibility while fostering shared discernment, mutual accountability and genuine collegiality. His pastoral concern for clergy and their families, particularly during difficult transitions, has reflected his conviction that people matter more than programmes. That same generous spirit has shaped his relationships beyond the Church, including with civic leaders, universities, healthcare institutions, prisons, voluntary organisations and other faith communities.
As we look towards the ministry of the 100th Bishop of Lichfield, we give thanks for the remarkable legacy Michael leaves us. He has shown that courageous leadership can be deeply gracious, that humility and decisiveness go together, and that the Church flourishes when people are trusted, encouraged and set free to serve.
Michael, thank you for surrounding us with such extraordinary encouragement, generosity and love. May you know the depth of our affection and gratitude as you enter this new chapter of your life. May the seeds you have planted continue to bear fruit for generations to come, and may the Lord bless you richly for all you have given to His Church and to the communities of this Diocese.
+Tim
The Rt Revd Tim Wambunya, Bishop of Wolverhampton
1 Oct 2026