Published on: 12/06/2026
The Diocese of Coventry has today announced the appointment of The Revd Canon Harry Steele as the new Director of Mission and Discipleship for the Diocese of Coventry. Harry is currently serving as Chaplain to the Bishop of Sheffield, a post he has held for the last four and half years.
Speaking to the Diocese of Sheffield, Harry said:
“I am very excited to be moving to the Diocese of Coventry to take up the role of Director of Mission and Discipleship and to work with Bishop Sophie and the team there. However, both Zoey and I will experience a sense of loss in leaving the Diocese of Sheffield. I am incredibly grateful to Bishop Pete for the trust he has shown me and the huge amount of wisdom and skill he has imparted to me, as well his excellent example of godly leadership, in the four and half years that I have been his chaplain. It has been a joy to be part of a stellar Bishop’s Senior Staff Team and to partner in the gospel with such exceptional individuals that make up that team. I have experienced and shall remember fondly the generous and warm welcome I encountered as I visited different parishes across the whole diocese on Sundays. I shall also miss the friendship that has grown with co-workers in Church House Rotherham, and I am indebted to my outstanding safeguarding colleagues alongside whom I have been able to learn and grow. Finally, there is an exceptional team of very close friends who work in the bishop’s office with whom I have shared a lot of laughter over four and half years. All of those experiences and lessons I shall carry with me as a respond to the call of Jesus Christ to move to the Diocese of Coventry.”
Bishop Pete said:
“I offer my heartfelt congratulations to Harry on this appointment. He will be an outstanding Director of Mission and Discipleship in the Diocese of Coventry. Over the course of the last four and a half years, Harry has developed into a superb Bishop’s Chaplain and he will be greatly missed by colleagues on the Bishop’s Senior Staff Team and at Bishopscroft, for his wisdom, his expertise in safeguarding and canon law, his sense of fun and his capacity for hard work, done to a high standard. I want to thank Harry for his exemplary service in his present role, and to assure him and Zoey of my prayers as they manage the transition to a new role and city in the coming months.”
Harry has made a significant contribution during his time in the Diocese of Sheffield, bringing a depth of experience in mission, ministry and safeguarding. He has played an important role as Bishop’s Safeguarding Lead, helping to strengthen good practice and a culture across the Diocese. Harry’s ministry has been shaped by a strong commitment to church growth and parish life, informed by his work with Leading Your Church into Growth (LYCiG), where he is a trustee and member of the speaking team. His earlier ministry includes serving as Rector of Therfield and Kelshall in the Diocese of St Albans, alongside roles supporting church growth at diocesan level, as well as interim ministry across five Sheffield parishes, leading a church planting team, and pioneering work with young people and young adults. Throughout his time in Sheffield, Harry has been passionate about sharing the hope and joy of the Gospel, leaving a legacy of faithful leadership, encouragement and service.
Bishop Sophie said:
“I am delighted to be welcoming Harry to Coventry Diocese. I believe that he will bring just the right gifts and skills to help us move forward with our work here. In particular his experience of helping all different types of churches to grow and lay and ordained ministers to flourish, will be a real asset in the coming years. Please join me in praying for Harry and Zoey in this time of transition.”
Harry will start his new role in September this year.