Bishop of Stafford officially takes role after Covid causes months of delay
The long wait is finally over after the consecration of the new Bishop of Stafford.
The Rt Rev. Matthew Parker was officially consecrated as the 12th Bishop of Stafford at Lambeth Palace in London, following a three-month delay after his initial consecration date in January was postponed due to the pandemic.
The bishop's ceremony on Wednesday, April 14 was limited to a handful of guests, including the Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, chief consecrating bishop Anthony Poggo and close family members.
He said: "It has felt to be something of a long and winding road towards episcopal ordination but I got there in the end.
"I am grateful for the prayers, support and best wishes that Sarah and I have received since the announcement back in September.
"On the day of the consecration, whilst necessarily reduced in scale and numbers, I nonetheless had six close family members with me in the chapel at Lambeth Palace and the service was powerful and meaningful.
"It was a particular joy and privilege that Bishop Anthony Poggo was the chief consecrating bishop.
"Bishop Anthony is the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Advisor on Anglican Communion Affairs, having been Bishop of Kajo-Keji in South Sudan.
"I felt very strongly my connection with sisters and brothers across the world, many of whom minister in deeply challenging situations."
As Area Bishop of Stafford, Rev. Parker will have responsibility for the pastoral oversight of churches, ministers and communities in the towns and villages of Stoke-on-Trent and North and East Staffordshire including Newcastle-under-Lyme, Stafford and Burton-upon-Trent.
Because of the delayed consecration, he was licensed as Episcopal Vicar for the Stafford Area on January 28, which made it possible to undertake the pastoral and administrative duties of the Bishop of Stafford ahead of his consecration.
He spoke of his relief at being able to discharge his duties as the official Bishop of Stafford.
He said: "I am excited about where the Spirit is leading the church in these uncertain times.
"I am daunted by the task ahead, but I am encouraged by the fellowship of God’s people and the eternal faithfulness of God."
