New Bishop of Sherwood is welcomed at York and Nottingham

Hundreds of friends, colleagues and church members from Nottinghamshire joined in welcoming the new Bishop of Sherwood the Rt Revd Anthony Porter, who was consecrated at York Minster yesterday ( March 21st).

The consecration was a first for the new Archbishop of York, the Most Reverend & Right Honorable Dr John Sentamu, who gave a warm welcome to Bishop Tony and his family. As a former Oxford hockey player, who even played for England in 1971, the new bishop was warned not to be tempted to turn his crosier (the bishop's crook) as a hockey stick, by the Archbishop! The 700 strong congregation was also urged to pray for Tony as he steps into his new role to the churches in Nottinghamshire.

Yesterday's service will be followed today by a welcome from the city of Nottingham, with a service at St Mary's Church in the Lace Market at 6.30pm, when representatives from the city will be able to meet Bishop Tony and his wife Lucille.

During his address tonight, Bishop Tony will focus on faith in the city, when he says: “A nation is made up of great cities, of which Nottingham is one.  There are positives in our cities, and negatives:  it has always been the same……My prayer and my passion is that Nottingham will continue to be changed, as the Christian gospel transforms the lives of a glorious mixture of ordinary people, who then live out their lives positively for Jesus Christ in Nottingham.”

Representatives from across the county will also join in the bishop's installation at Southwell Minster on Friday ( March 24th) at 6pm, when he will take up his stall (official seat) in the cathedral.

The Bishop of Sherwood is the suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham, where he assists the Bishop of Southwell & Nottingham in his ministry across the county. Bishop Tony will be the first bishop for many years to live in Nottingham and he also has a particular brief to focus on how the Church can play a significant part in the life of the city. He has come directly from being the vicar of a large church in Manchester's Moss Side, where he has also been the chaplain to Manchester City Football club.

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For further information or interview opportunities contact Rachel Farmer tel 01636 817218 mobile 077 121 96381