New bishop’s consecration gets delayed
The planned consecration of the new Bishop of Stafford has been delayed due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
The Diocese of Lichfield has made the decision to postpone the planned ceremony for Matthew Parker, who will instead be licenced as Episcopal Vicar for the Stafford area.
The licencing on January 28 will be conducted by the Bishop of Lichfield, Dr Michael Ipgrave, and will allow Rev. Parker to undertake the pastoral and administrative duties of the Bishop of Stafford until he can be consecrated.
One of his early tasks will be to consult with Bishop Ipgrave over the appointment of a new Archdeacon of Stoke. In the meantime, he will continue to work with Bishop Alistair Magowan as Acting Archdeacon and Terry Bloor as Associate Archdeacon.
Rev. Parker said: “I am very much looking forward to re-engaging with the work of the Stafford Episcopal Area, albeit not exactly in the way I had expected.
“We are all getting used to our best laid plans changing at the last minute but God is good and faithful and continues to use us all to bear witness to the gospel of Jesus Christ, not least in these unsettling times.
“I am deeply grateful for the support given to the area in recent weeks by my area colleagues, Gemma Trueman, Bishop Alistair, Lucinda Wray-Wear and Preb Terry Bloor.
“It will be great to work alongside them as Episcopal Vicar until such times as a consecration service can safely take place.”
Bishop Ipgrave said: “Even though, for reasons beyond our control, Matthew cannot be consecrated as Bishop of Stafford this month, we are looking forward to working with him in his new role.
“It will largely mirror the responsibilities of a bishop ahead of his consecration, so please pray for Matthew and Sarah at this time of new challenge and opportunity.”
