As the sounds of the organ filled the Cathedral nave, in the presence of The Lord Mayor of Birmingham, The High Sheriff and The Lord -Lieutenant, The Rt, Revd Dr Michael Volland, Bishop of Birmingham, and packed cathedral, including members of Bishop Esther’s former congregation, prepared to welcome the Rt. Revd Esther Prior as the 11th Bishop of Aston.
Ahead of the processions and opening hymn, The Dean of Birmingham, The Very Revd Matt Thompson, promptly welcomed everyone, present in person and via live-stream, to this Service of Welcome for Bishop Esther and her installation as an honorary canon of the Birmingham Cathedral.
Then came the initial greeting and prayers led by Bishop Michael Volland, in which the Bishop invited the congregation to adopt an attitude, and heart, of prayer for Bishop Esther and all the God has called her to do in her new ministry, as Bishop of Aston. Mr Anesu Muyambi, Chair of the House of Laity, then read the charge to both bishops from the Church of England ordinal, which all Bishops originally hear at the consecration.
2 Members of Bishop Esther’s former congregation then formally introduced her to Bishop Michael, Bishop of Birmingham and the CofE Birmingham. Bishop Michael Volland remarked how today marked the end of a long process of discernment undertaken by many to understand that God was sending The Rt. Revd. Esther to this time and place and to the role of the Bishop of Aston. Formalities were then observed by the Diocesan Registrar, and Bishop Michael Volland led a period of silent contemplation prior to prayers for Bishop Esther and her family. Bishop Michael Volland then formally presented the new Bishop of Aston to the congregation, who welcomed Bishop Esther with loud applause, almost omitting to respond with the formal words of welcome in their enthusiasm.
Following the next hymn, accompanied by guitar only, the First reading, Ephesians 3 verses 4-21, was read by Mr. Steven Skakel, Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance. The Second reading was taken from the Gospel of St. John, 15 verses 9-17, and read by The Revd. Sandra Daniels, Assistant Curate of Aston and Nechells. Following a hymn, Bishop Esther then prayed with the congregation and gave the sermon.
Bishop Esther spoke of how this service of welcome felt sacred and she was humbled to be standing here today. Thanking Bishop Michael Volland for his generous welcome, Bishop Esther then spoke of how she looks forward to meeting and getting to know the CofE Birmingham and the regions civic and faith leaders in our joint aim of seeking the peace and prosperity of the region. Going on to speak on the Ephesians reading and its prompting to prayer and reflection, Bishop Esther reflected on how in the opening of the book, the author St. Paul, represents a diverse, vibrant congregation, rich in culture and born out of the Christians' trust and strength found in the Love of Jesus. She went on to reflect and pray that the roots of all who trust in Jesus would be deep within His love and so stand in His strength as witnesses of the Gospel today.
After a period of reflective silence, the Zimbabwean Singers of the Mothers’ Union sang the next hymn, as Bishop Esther encouraged congregation members, joining herself in with the dancing. The hymn’s end was greeted with another round of loud applause and cheering, and the service then moved onto Bishop Esther’s installation and honorary Canon of the Cathedral, led by The Dean of Birmingham. This involved the presentation of a clerical scarf and to be seated formally in a Canons stall.
The Choir then sang the Anthem, and the Dean presented Bishop Esther to state representatives, alongside regional faith, civic and diocesan senior leaders. This was then followed by a period of prayer led by members of the CofE Birmingham representing significant ministries.
More music and singing accompanied by guitar followed, then came the Presentation of the Bishop of Aston’s Pastoral Staff, a symbol of the shepherd, servant style of leadership the Bishop of Aston is called to exercise. Bishop Esther expressed her thanks for the service and the diocesan welcome before leading the Sending Out. With thanks to the Cathedral and an encouragement to continue praying over the city of Birmingham and the region, Bishop Michael then blessed the congregation and the English Orchestra and Singers recording of ‘Moto’ was played as the processions led and danced out, with the congregation clapping along to the music, signalling the end of the formal welcome and service.
The Cathedral inside and out remained a lively buzz of congratulations and conversation, as Bishop Esther moved about greeting those present.
