The new Bishop of Taunton, Fiona Gibson, was officially welcomed to the Diocese of Bath and Wells on Sunday, 9 February at Evensong at Wells Cathedral.
Download a copy of the order of service
The nave of the Cathedral was packed with people from across the diocese, including clergy, officers, civic and church leaders, as well as Fiona’s family and former colleagues.
After a welcome from Bishop Michael, Fiona, senior clergy and members of Wells Cathedral Chapter moved into the Quire, the central part of the Cathedral, where she swore an oath to the Chapter of Wells in all matters relating to her as a member of the College of Canons. She was installed into her official seat in the Cathedral by Anne Gell, Archdeacon of Wells, who inducted her as a Prebendary of Wells Cathedral.
Representatives of the diocese and the community were then invited to formally welcome the Bishop of Taunton. School children and young people, along with Bishop Michael, then prayed for Bishop Fiona while she knelt on the Dais step, after which Bishop Michael invited the congregation to welcome the Bishop of Taunton with applause.
People from across the diocese were involved in the service, including some of those visited by Bishop Fiona on the day of her announcement. A pupil from Pyrland School gave the first reading, while the second was given by former colleague, Derek Chedzey, Archdeacon of Hereford.
A copy of Bishop Fiona's address will be made available as soon as possible.
Prayers were written and led by those who will work most closely with the Bishop of Taunton, in the areas for which she will have particular responsibility; education and schools, transforming communities, vocations and wellbeing, and concluding with the diocesan prayer for growth and transformation and the Grace.
This service was sung by the Girl Choristers and Vicars Choral of Wells Cathedral Choir. The worship songs were led by Hope Stream.
We will be updating this article with further information and pictures. For more pictures please visit the Bath and Wells Facebook page.
