Wolves fan is new Bishop of Pompey

A Black Country born churchman has been installed as the new Bishop of Portsmouth, it has been announced.

Right Reverend Christopher Foster, currently Bishop of Hertford in the St Albans diocese, will become the ninth Bishop of Portsmouth later this year. He succeeds the Rt Rev Dr Kenneth Stevenson.

He was bishop for 14 years until he retired last autumn.

The 56-year-old was born in Wednesbury and attended the Albert Pritchard infant school and Wood Green Junior School in the town.

He said he is looking forward to joining the diocese, but will not actually take up the role until he is officially installed as Bishop of Portsmouth at a special service in Portsmouth Cathedral later this year, at a date to be announced.

He is a keen Wolves fan and is looking forward to what may be a relegation battle with Portsmouth at Fratton Park in May.

Bishop Christopher, who used to attend All Saints Church in Darlaston when he lived in the Black Country, said: "I am honoured and excited to be invited to be Bishop of Portsmouth.

"My role as Bishop of Portsmouth will be to lead a church that cares for people, encourages discipleship, shares in God's mission, and stands for truth and justice. So I shall enjoy the great variety of the diocese and its church life as I join with lay and ordained colleagues in living the good news of Jesus Christ."