Deepening Prayer

A retired bishop who grew up locally is to take on a significant role in helping churches and people across the Diocese to develop and deepen their prayer lives.

The Rt Revd Michael Perham grew up in Dorset and attended Hardye’s School in Dorchester, and was Bishop of Gloucester for 10 years, 2004-2014. He now lives in Somerset and is widely recognised as one of the Church of England’s leading experts on liturgy, worship and prayer.

Bishop Michael was commissioned as an Assistant Bishop in the Diocese by Bishop Nicholas in a ceremony in Church House in Salisbury this morning.

Bishop Nicholas said, “I am so gratified we have managed to secure the services of someone so distinguished with so much to give to our life as a Diocese.”

“Our vision for the Diocese is Renewing Hope: Pray, Serve, Grow. I have asked Bishop Michael to take a lead on the ‘pray’ aspect of this. This incorporates all aspects of spirituality, liturgy and worship, including spiritual direction; quiet days, retreats and pilgrimages; learning and training opportunities; Diocesan Lent and other courses; and provision of liturgical resources.

“Bishop Michael will be working with a range of people, lay and ordained, who can contribute to this work and thinking. He will initially be giving us 30 days of his time per year for three years.”

Bishop Michael added, “I am delighted to be able to contribute to the life of a Diocese in which I grew up and where I later served as Team Rector of St George’s, Oakdale in Poole. Prayer and worship have always been central to my ministry and I look forward to working with others to deepen the prayer life of churches and people across Dorset and Wiltshire.”