On Friday 14th February 2003 Pope John Paul II appointed Canon Michael Evans as the third Bishop of East Anglia. He succeeded the Most Reverend Peter Smith, who is now Archbishop of Cardiff. Canon Michael was ordained as the third bishop of East Anglia at the Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist, Norwich on Wednesday 19th March 2003 at noon.

On his appointment as our new Bishop, Canon Michael Evans said: 'I was astonished to be appointed as Bishop of East Anglia, and have a real sense of my unworthiness for this responsibility, but I accepted this new ministry with a joyful though nervous 'yes'. I look forward to getting to know the diocesan family of East Anglia, and to working with my brother priests and deacons as a team dedicated to the ministry of Christ. As I prepare for my ordination, I ask everyone to keep me in their prayers.'