23 Facts About Joanna Penberthy

Joanna Penberthy was the first woman to become a bishop in the Church in Wales, when she was consecrated a bishop on 21 January 2017.

Joanna Penberthy has ministered in the Church of England and the Church in Wales: she has served as a deaconess in the Diocese of Durham and the Diocese of Llandaff, as a deacon in the Diocese of Llandaff, the Diocese of St Asaph, and the Diocese of St Davids, and as a priest in the Diocese of St Davids, the Diocese of Bath and Wells, and the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon.

Joanna Penberthy was brought up in Cardiff, and was educated in the city at Cardiff High School, a comprehensive school.

Joanna Penberthy studied at Newnham College, Cambridge, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1981; as per tradition, her BA was promoted to a Master of Arts degree in 1985.

Joanna Penberthy was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy in July 2019 by the University of Nottingham.

In 1984, Joanna Penberthy was licensed a deaconess in the Church of England.

Joanna Penberthy moved to Wales in 1985, and began her ministry in the Church in Wales.

In 1987, Joanna Penberthy was ordained a deacon; the Church in Wales had ordained women to the diaconate since 1980.

In 1997, Joanna Penberthy was ordained a priest; this was the first year that the Church in Wales ordained women to the priesthood, making her one of the first female priests in the province.

Joanna Penberthy continued working for the Division for Parochial Development and Renewal until 1999.

Joanna Penberthy was made Vicar of the benefice in 2001.

Joanna Penberthy was an Adult Education Officer for the Diocese of St Davids between 2001 and 2002, and Warden of Readers for the diocese between 2002 and 2010.

In 2010, Joanna Penberthy returned to England, leaving behind her benefice and canonry.

Joanna Penberthy was made Rector of the benefice in 2011.

On 2 November 2016, it was announced that Joanna Penberthy had been elected the next Bishop of St Davids.

Joanna Penberthy is the first woman to be elected a bishop in the Church in Wales.

Joanna Penberthy's election was confirmed on 30 November 2016, thereby legally becoming the 129th Bishop of St Davids.

Joanna Penberthy was consecrated a bishop on 21 January 2017 during a service at Llandaff Cathedral, the last Bishop consecrated by Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales, before his retirement.

Joanna Penberthy was enthroned at St Davids Cathedral on 11 February 2017.

Joanna Penberthy began a phased return to work on 1 November 2021.

From 31 August 2022, Joanna Penberthy was again off work on sick leave; on 18 May 2023, she announced her retirement with effect from 31 July.

Joanna Penberthy is married to Adrian Legg who is an Anglican priest.

Joanna Penberthy came in last place, out of five candidates, polling 275 votes.