Archbishop delivers on promise to make a “headship evangelical” bishop

THE NEW Bishops of Maidstone, (Rod Thomas), Kensington (Graham Tomlin) and Edmonton (Robert Wickham) were consecrated in a packed Canterbury Cathedral last Wednesday (23 September).

Supporters of all three gathered to congratulate them in bright sunshine outside the west door, including a coach party that had come up from Bishop Thomas’ s church in Plymouth.

Dr Paul Weston from Ridley Hall preached on the readings for St Matthew’s Day. He spoke humorously of his experience at a Speed Awareness Course (on which he had been trying to enrol for years). He noted that for many on such a course sin was to be ‘caught out’.

The apostle’s words that “God has shone in our hearts” shows that the real question is whether our life matches that of Jesus Christ. “Jesus came not to call the righteous, but the serious,” he said.

The new bishops were greeted with long and loud applause in the packed cathedral.

Senior leaders of Reform, Church Society, Crosslinks, Anglican Mission in England, Fellowship of Confessing Anglicans, New Wine, Fellowship of Word and Spirit, the Church Pastoral Aid Society, Church of England Evangelical Council, the Evangelical Group on General Synod as well as senior staff from Ridley Hall, Oak Hill, Wycliffe Hall (where Graham Tomlin was a viceprincipal and Rod Thomas trained), and St Melitus (where Graham was Dean) were in evidence.

Archbishop Welby was clear that he had delivered on his promise to provide a ‘headship’ bishop.

One or two studied nuances were noticed. While the vast majority of bishops laid hands on all three ordinands, one or two held back mindful of continuing sensitivities while clearly praying for the candidates, and one clearly moved forward for the two who would ordain women.

But such is the price for mutual flourishing while preserving personal conviction.

Bishop Rachel of Gloucester and Bishop Rod shook hands firmly when he took his seat next to her.

Rod Thomas spoke to the Renew Conference on Monday before leaving for his ordination retreat and clearly left there with the full and positive support of the conference and the Reform Council to embrace his episcopal calling. Some have suggested that more “Bishops of Maidstone” will actually be needed.