Mansfield welcomes new bishop to the diocese

The bishop, Rev Dr Andrew Emerton, was welcomed to St Peter and St Paul’s by the Rev’d Caroline Phillips.

He said: “It was a delight to be welcomed so warmly to the diocese.

“I was very grateful for the opportuni ty to spend some time in Mansfield and it was a privilege to meet some of the wonderful people who serve their communities in a variety of different ways.

“ I am very much looking forward to moving to the region and starting my new role later in the year.”

Among those gathered at the church were the Mayor of Mansfield Andy Abraham , Mansfield District Council head of housing Jill Finnesey, Mansfield Churches Together chair Pastor Konrad Schafer, Mansfield Christian Community Centre co-pastor Sandra Schafer, Sherwood Forest Foodbank representative Kate Miller and Hall Homeless project representatives Vernon Slaney and Jane Robinson.

The Bishop of Sherwood is a s uffragan role, meaning that Andy will work closely with the Diocesan Bishop, the Right Rev Paul Williams, in overseeing mission and ministry across the diocese.

Bishop Paul said: “It was a joy to welcome Andy to the diocese and introduce him to some of those who lead and serve in strategic roles in the city and county.

“ As he prepares to move to Nottingham in the summer, I know Andy will receive a very warm welcome to the East Midlands where he will find there is a creative and dynamic culture bringing growth and new opportunity to an exciting and expanding region of the country.”

Andy grew up in the North West near Chester and was educated at York University, and Queen’s College, Oxford, and has a background in scientific consultancy and youth ministry prior to training for ministry at Ridley Hall, Cambridge.

He served his title curacy at Holy Trinity Brompton in the Diocese of London and was ordained priest in 2006.

Andy will succeed the Right Rev Tony Porter, who retired on March 22. He will be consecrated as bishop by the Archbishop of York on Thursday, May 21, at 11am in York Minster.