Friday 26th January 2007
A whistle-stop tour of the diocese for Oxford’s new bishop
AS Downing Street announced the long-awaited identity of the next Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd John Pritchard and his wife, Wendy, embarked on a whirlwind three counties tour of his new diocese, captured here on camera by Diocesan webmaster Phil Hind.
In each county they were accompanied by area bishops: the Rt Revd Colin Fletcher, Bishop of Dorchester; the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, Bishop of Reading; and the Rt Revd Alan Wilson, Bishop of Buckingham.
Bishop John later told a press conference: ‘I know I’m coming to a diverse and fascinating diocese... So the social and church needs are bound to be diverse too. I look forward to getting to know and work with the different communities – the rural, the academic, the scientific, the business world in the Thames Valley and so on.’
After meeting staff at Diocesan Church House, the bishop was whisked off on a ‘Mini’ tour of Oxfordshire, in a car loaned for the occasion by the Cowley plant. First stop was Christ Church Cathedral where the car completed a circuit of Tom Quad, before its passengers were welcomed by sub-dean the Revd Nicholas Coulton, for a time of silent prayer. Then, he dropped in on the Oxford Church Leaders’ Conference before talking to the waiting media.
In Cowley the bishop chatted with people at the Stepping Stones centre for the homeless after being officially welcomed to the city and the county by Councillor Jim Campbell, Lord Mayor of Oxford, and Hugo Brunner, Lord Lieutenant of Oxfordshire.
Meeting with farmer David Passmore of Mays Farm, Ewelme, was a chance for the Bishop to hear about rural issues in the diocese. A locally sourced lunch was hosted by Aston and Cuddesdon Deanery Rural Officer Anne Kelaart.
Bishop John's wife Wendy, accompanied him on the tour. The couple met when they were both students at Oxford University and members of St Aldate's Church. Wendy thanked everyone for the warm welcome they received as they made their tour, in total contrast to the cold, rainly weather.
Pupils at New Christ Church C of E Primary School in Reading, were hooked by Bishop John’s impromptu assembly.
After explaining the symbolism of a bishop’s formal vestments to the children, with the help of nine-year-old Billy, he also toured the school and met governors and parents.
The multi-ethnic school has a strong spiritual foundation that head teacher, Maria Soulsby, says has helped create a community of understanding and unity on the site of a previous failed school.
As a former Diocesan Youth Worker, Bishop John believes it is vital for the Church to find new ways of engaging with young people, and will ‘put his shoulder behind youth initiatives’ in the diocese.
At All Saints Church, High Wycombe, the Revd David Picken,Team Rector, introduced fellow clergy and laity, including the Revd Susie Simpson, Team Vicar of St Mary and St George High Wycombe (pictured). The Bishop also met Town Centre manager Shelly Ford, former Mayor Cllr Liaquat Ali and Shafique Chaudry of Bucks Chiltern University College. The day ended with Evensong.