Consecration of Bishops takes place at Westminster Abbey
Friday, 29th September 2023
The Venerable Adam Atkinson, The Venerable Ian Bishop and The Venerable Paul Davies were all ordained and consecrated at Westminster Abbey on Friday 29th September.
The Venerable Adam Atkinson, was ordained and consecrated Bishop of Bradwell in the Diocese of Chelmsford; The Venerable Ian Bishop, was ordained and consecrated Bishop of Thetford in the Diocese of Norwich; and The Venerable Paul Davies, was ordained and consecrated Bishop of Dorking in the diocese of Guildford on the Feast of St Michael and All Angels.
The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan, presided at the service.
Before the service the Bishops-designate took the Oath of Allegiance to The King's Majesty and the Oath of Due Obedience to the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Jerusalem Chamber.
The Venerable Adam Atkinson, The Venerable Ian Bishop, and The Venerable Paul Davies were presented for ordination by the presenting Bishops, who said:
‘We present them to be ordained and consecrated to the office of Bishop in the Church of God.’
During the declaration the Archbishop said:
‘Bishops are called to serve and care for the flock of Christ. Mindful of the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for his sheep, they are to love and pray for those committed to their charge, knowing their people and being known by them.'
The service was held in the presence of the Bishops of the Province of Canterbury with other bishops and clergy, including the Bishops of London and Southwark.
Readings were given by Beth Atkinson and Gwilym Davies. The sermon was preached by the Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle, Dean of Westminster.
The service was sung by the Westminster Abbey Special Service Choir, conducted by Andrew Nethsingha, Organist and Master of the Choristers, and the organ was played by Peter Holder, Sub-Organist.
