Amid many well wishers, close family and friends, the Revd Canon Esther Prior was consecrated bishop at Canterbury Cathedral today, 27 February 2025.
A blustery cold morning did not dampen smiles as The Rt. Revd Dr Michael Volland, Bishop of Birmingham, accompanied +Esther into the Cathedral to prepare for the Service. Bishop Michael and the then-still bishop-designate, Esther, prayed together in one of the side chapels before heading to vestries to robe with the many service participants.
Once the congregation, numbering nearly 2000, were welcomed and seated by the Cathedral’s volunteer team, they were welcomed by the Dean of Canterbury, The Very Reverend Dr David Monteith, as the Service promptly began.
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cotterall, presided and led the worship and the ordination of the 4 candidates. Alongside Revd Esther Prior as Bishop of Aston were Revd Dave Bull as Bishop of Buckingham, Revd Andrew Norman as Suffragan Bishop in Europe and Revd Mary Gregory as Bishop.
Bishop Michael participated one of the consecrating bishops, laying their hands in prayer on the heads of the ordinands in turn, during the high point of the consecration service.
Prior to the Liturgy of Communion, the new bishops were presented with a bible, and their episcopal rings an pectoral crosses. Bishop Esther’s pectoral Cross was designed and made by one of her current parish’s churchwardens.
As part of her consecration, Bishop Esther wore a deeply personal episcopal ring, a gift from her mother-in-law, given to her years ago when she first began discerning her calling in earnest. She held onto it, believing it would one day serve as a sign of God’s guiding hand. Her pectoral cross carries a unique story, crafted from three nails found in the ashes of a fireplace by the wife of her former church warden. Inspired by this discovery, the cross was handmade by The Shed, a ministry of St John’s. Bishop Esther’s crozier also holds special significance it was passed on by her dear friend, Bishop Bev Mason, who has played a pivotal role in her life. Bishop Bev, her daughter’s godmother, once welcomed her into her home as an international student, helped pay for her wedding dress, and now has entrusted her with this treasured symbol of pastoral leadership. The chain for her cross and the modification of her ring were completed by Samuel Pitt Jeweller in the Birmingham Jewellery Quarter, the same jeweller who made Bishop Michael’s ring.
The morning concluded with photos and many cheers and hugs from family, friends, and congregation. Bishop Ester takes up her role as the 11th Bishop of Aston in Spring when she will join the Church of England Birmingham in an installation service to be held at Birmingham Cathedral.
On the occasion of her ordination, Bishop Esther said,
‘I thank God for the opportunity to serve as the Bishop of Aston. Faith in Jesus Christ…motivates me to look forward with hope and joy. I look forward to getting to know and love the communities of the Church of England Birmingham in the months to come.’
