Martin Seeley

Ordained ministry Seeley was ordained in the Church of England: made a deacon at Michaelmas 1978 (24 September), by David Tustin, Bishop of Grimsby, at St Paul's Ashby, and as a priest the Michaelmas following (30 September 1979), by Simon Phipps, Bishop of Lincoln, at Lincoln Cathedral. His first appointment was as a curate at St Peter's Church, Bottesford, Lincolnshire (1978–1980). In 2008, he was appointed an honorary canon of Ely Cathedral. His canonical election was confirmed on 7 May 2015. On 14 May 2015, he was consecrated a bishop by Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury during a service at Westminster Abbey. On 20 June 2015, he was installed as Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich at St Edmundsbury Cathedral. He has also been an honorary assistant bishop of the Diocese of Ely since 2015. He retired effective 28 February 2025.

Views In January 2023, Seeley welcomed the Church of England's introduction of blessings of same-sex couples but expressed disappointment that it did not go further: "the faithful, pastoral, loving and just way forward is to extend Holy Matrimony to same-sex couples".

In November 2023, he was one of 44 Church of England bishops who signed an open letter supporting the use of the Prayers of Love and Faith (i.e. blessings for same-sex couples) and called for "Guidance being issued without delay that includes the removal of all restrictions on clergy entering same-sex civil marriages, and on bishops ordaining and licensing such clergy".

Personal life Seeley was married to Cynthia McLean from 1980 until 1989. He married Jutta Brueck who was his curate at Christ Church with St Luke's, Isle of Dogs on 23 January 1999; she is also a priest. They have two children. presented on June 21 by the Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk as part of Suffolk Day celebrations. His was cited as having "inspired diverse congregations and communities and used his wisdom, humility and good humour to steer the county in matters of faith."

Styles The Reverend Martin Seeley (1978–2007) The Reverend Canon Martin Seeley (2007–2015) The Right Reverend Martin Seeley (2015–present)