Bishop of Lincoln Consecrated at Westminster Abbey
Wednesday, 21st September 2011
The Right Reverend Christopher Lowson was ordained and consecrated as Bishop of Lincoln at a Eucharist at Westminster Abbey on 21st September 2011. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Dr Rowan Williams, presided at the service.
Before the service the Bishop of Lincoln took the Oath of Allegiance to The Queen’s Majesty and the Oath of Due Obedience to the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Jerusalem Chamber, in the Deanery.
The Bishop of Lincoln was presented for Episcopal ordination by The Reverend Canon Gavin Kirk, Canon Precentor of Lincoln and Nicolete Fisher, Lay Canon of Lincoln, who said, ‘Christopher has been chosen to be Bishop of Lincoln. We present him 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 to them.
The Dean and Chapter of Westminster were present. The service was attended by the Dean and Chapters of Lincoln and of Portsmouth, and by Representatives of Church House Westminster, where Christopher Lowson served as Director of Ministry for the Church of England, as well as other bishops and clergy and the family and friends of the Bishop of Lincoln.
The sermon was preached by The Venerable Dr Jane Hedges, Canon Steward and Archdeacon of Westminster.
Rebecca Lowson, the new Bishop’s daughter, read Proverbs 3: 13-18 and William Fittall, Secretary General, the General Synod and the Archbishops’ Council, read 2 Corinthians 4: 1-6.
The service was sung by the Choir of Westminster Abbey, conducted by James O’Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers, and the organ was played by Robert Quinney, Sub-Organist.
The Archbishop of Canterbury presides at the Consecration of Bishops for the Province of Canterbury normally in either St Paul’s Cathedral or Southwark Cathedral or Westminster Abbey.
See also:
The Order of Service (PDF, 569KB)
