Ordination and Consecration of Bishops at Westminster Abbey

Thursday, 14th May 2015

The Reverend Canon Martin Seeley, Principal, Westcott House, was ordained and consecrated Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich; and the Reverend Canon Michael Beasley, Director of Mission in the Diocese of Oxford, was ordained and consecrated Bishop of Hertford in the Diocese of St Albans at a Eucharist at Westminster Abbey on Ascension day, Thursday 14th May 2015.

The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury, Primate of All England and Metropolitan, presided at the service.

Before the service the Bishops-designate of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich and Hertford took the Oath of Allegiance to The Queen's Majesty and the Oath of Due Obedience to the Archbishop of Canterbury in the Jerusalem Chamber, in the Deanery.

Ordination and Consecration of Bishops service held at Abbey

The Right Reverend and Right Honourable The Lord of Williams of Oystermouth

The Bishop of Hertford and The Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich

Ordination and Consecration of Bishops service held at Abbey

Canon Seeley and Canon Beasley were presented for ordination by the presenting Bishops, who said:

We present them to be ordained and consecrated to the office of Bishop in the Church of God.

During the declaration the Archbishop said:

Bishops are called to serve and care for the flock of Christ. Mindful of the Good Shepherd, who laid down his life for his sheep, they are to love and pray for those committed to their charge, knowing their people and being known to them.

The service was held in the presence of the Bishops of the Province of Canterbury with other bishops and clergy, including the Deans and Chapters of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, St Albans, Ely and Oxford. Over 1500 guests, family and friends also attended the service.

The sermon was preached by The Right Reverend and Right Honourable The Lord Williams of Oystermouth, formerly Archbishop of Canterbury

The service was sung by the Westminster Abbey Special Service Choir, conducted by James O'Donnell, Organist and Master of the Choristers, and the organ was played by Daniel Cook, Sub-Organist.

The Archbishop of Canterbury presides at the Consecration of Bishops for the Province of Canterbury normally in either St Paul's Cathedral or Southwark Cathedral or Westminster Abbey.

The Order of Service

The Diocese of St Edmondsbury and Ipswich

The Diocese of St Albans