Ordination and Consecration of Bishops at Westminster Abbey
Wednesday, 25th September 2013
The Reverend Canon Jonathan Goodall was ordained and consecrated Bishop of Ebbsfleet in the Diocese of Canterbury, and The Venerable Martyn Snow was ordained and consecrated Bishop of Tewkesbury in the Diocese of Gloucester at a Eucharist at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday 25th September 2013.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, presided at the service.
Before the service the Bishops-designate of Ebbsfleet and Tewkesbury 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, part of the Abbey’s Deanery.
The Venerable Martyn Snow and Canon Goodall were presented for ordination by the presenting Bishops, who said, ‘We present them 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 service was held in the presence of the Deans and Chapters of Sheffield, Gloucester and Canterbury, the Ebbsfleet Council of Clergy, and other bishops and clergy. Over 1000 guests, family and friends also attended the service.
Representatives of other Churches were also present, including HE Archbishop Antonio Mennini, Apostolic Nuncio; Archbishop Gregorios of Thyateira, Ecumenical Patriarchate; and Metropolitan Hilarion of Volokolamsk, Patriarchate of Moscow.
The sermon was preached by The Right Reverend and Right Honourable The Lord Williams of Oystermouth.
The service was sung by the Westminster Abbey Special Service Choir, conducted by Daniel Cook, Sub-Organist of Westminster, and the organ was played by Martin Ford, Assistant 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.
Further reading:
The Sermon given by The Right Reverend and Right Honourable The Lord Williams of Oystermouth
