Michael Volland

Michael John Volland (born 2 May 1974) is a British Anglican bishop and academic, specialising in mission and practical theology. Since November 2023, he has been the tenth Bishop of Birmingham, the diocesan bishop of the Church of England's Diocese of Birmingham. From 2017 to 2023, he was Principal of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, an Anglican theological college in the Open Evangelical tradition. He was previously Director of Mission at Cranmer Hall, Durham, and Director of Context-based Training at Ridley Hall.

Early life and education Volland was born in 1974. He grew up in Reading, Berkshire. Having attended a state school in Reading, he went on to undertake a foundation course in art and design. He then studied fine art at Northumbria University, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in 1996.

For six years, prior to entering theological college, Volland worked as a youth minister.

Volland later undertook postgraduate research at Durham University, and completed a Doctor of Theology and Ministry (DThM) degree in 2013.

Ordained ministry Volland was ordained in the Church of England as a deacon in 2006 and as a priest in 2007. From 2014 to 2015, he was also missioner/leader of the East Durham Mission Project, and acting area dean of Easington, County Durham.

In 2015, Volland was appointed a tutor and Director of Context-based Training of Ridley Hall, Cambridge, and so he left the Diocese of Durham to move south in August 2015.

On 31 August 2023, it was announced that Volland would be the next Bishop of Birmingham, the diocesan bishop of the Diocese of Birmingham. He legally took up his See at the confirmation of his election on 22 November. He was consecrated a bishop during a service at Canterbury Cathedral on 30 November 2023. He was installed of the tenth Bishop of Birmingham during a service at Birmingham Cathedral on 2 March 2024.

Military service In addition to his parish and academic ministries, Volland has served as a military chaplain. He then joined the Durham Army Cadet Force as a chaplain.

Personal life Volland is married to Rachel. Together they have three children.

Selected works