The Consecration of Bishop Stephen
The Diocese of Salisbury is delighted to announce that the Rt Revd Stephen Lake, former Dean of Gloucester, was consecrated as Bishop this morning (25 April), during a service at Southwark Cathedral presided over by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
This marks the next stage in the journey towards Stephen becoming the 79th Bishop of Salisbury; he moved to Salisbury with his family over Easter and will be enthroned in Salisbury Cathedral in June.
Bishop Karen Gorham, said:
"The consecration of a bishop is always a special occasion as family and friends, many of whom have seen a ministry develop, come together to celebrate the transition to a new ministry. The service is marked by the making of promises, the laying on of hands, anointing with oil and the giving of a ring, pectoral cross and crosier all signs of God’s call and the task that lays ahead. Bishops are reminded that they cannot do this in their own strength but only with God’s help. Together as Bishops, Stephen, Andrew and I will seek to model the ministry of a teacher, leader and shepherd within the diocese, each of us having particular roles and responsibilities, with Stephen leading us into a new phase of diocesan life."
The Rt Revd Stephen Lake, said:
“The ordination of a bishop is a significant moment for the person and the church alike. I shall undertake this new ministry with dedication and reliance upon the grace of God. It is a real joy that the preacher at my consecration is the Very Revd Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury, who was my training priest when I was a curate. Both in terms of Robert preaching and my returning to Salisbury Diocese, this feels like God has known about this for a long time! I look forward to the other stages of arrival in the diocese and sharing with others in this exciting time”.
Stephen travelled to the Diocese of Salisbury for the announcement of his nomination in January, and the diocese is praying for his enthronement in June and welcome into Salisbury Diocese.
Stephen trained for ministry at Chichester Theological College and is returning to his roots with this appointment. He grew up in Poole, held his curacy at Sherborne Abbey with Castleton and Lillington and was ordained Priest in 1989. He became Vicar of St Aldhelm’s, Branksome, Poole from 1992 and was additionally appointed Rural Dean of Poole in 2000. In 2001, Stephen was appointed Sub Dean of St Albans, and took up his current role as Dean of Gloucester in 2011. Until moving Stephen was a Church Commissioner and Lead Dean for Safeguarding.
With thanks to photographer Robin Prime
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