Bishop Michael’s new role as the Bishop of Bath and Wells was confirmed at a ceremony in London at which he was formally given spiritual responsibility for our diocese. The Confirmation of Election is a combination of legalities and worship.
Before the Ceremony of Confirmation of Episcopal Election began, the Diocesan Registrar for Bath and Wells, Christopher Jones, was asked to confirm that Bishop Michael had been elected as the new Bishop of Bath and Wells by the College of Canons of Wells cathedral.
During the service the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, gave Bishop Michael his charge. The full charge can be downloaded below. It includes these words from the Archbishop:
“My charge to you today is to Pray. Pray that the suffering Christ, saviour and sovereign, might walk alongside you in the difficulties as well as the joys of the road ahead.
“Pray that the Holy Spirit, comforter and advocate, will empower you to bring comfort and strength to the world and His church as you welcome others to the path of the Cross.
“And pray that God the Father might guide you in this calling - on the good days and the bad days - by His infinite grace and power, that the world might know and believe the Good News of His Son who died and conquered death. “
We pray for Bishop Michael, his wife Lizzie and their family as they prepare to leave St Albans Diocese and move to Somerset. He will not formally take up his new role in Bath and Wells until the autumn.
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