Hugh Nelson was elected as the new Bishop of Worcester in an historic ceremony in Worcester Cathedral yesterday. This marks the next stage in the process which will end in Bishop Hugh’s official start in the Diocese with a service of welcome in the Cathedral on 17 January.
Since Saxon times, diocesan bishops in the Church of England have been nominated by the Crown and it was King John, buried in Worcester Cathedral, who established the process of the Diocese accepting the Monarch’s nomination. Today, bishops are chosen by the Crown Nominations Commission which is comprised of representatives from the Diocese and the national church, but the historic election still takes place with the Cathedral’s College of Canons in attendance.
The ceremony took place in the Chapter House of the Cathedral and was led by Interim Dean Bishop Olivia Graham. The election was by affirmation rather than ballot with members of the College of Canons (which includes both senior clergy in the diocese and honorary lay members) individually signalling their agreement to Hugh Nelson becoming the next Bishop of Worcester by saying ‘aye’. After everyone present had given their assent, the election of Bishop Hugh was welcomed with a round of applause!
After the ceremony, the decision was proclaimed by Bishop Olivia at the start of Evensong, which was attended by the Canons. Notices were then posted at the Cathedral doors and on the ‘Bishop’s seat’ inside the Cathedral. Bishop Hugh wasn’t required to be present during the process.
The Archdeacon of Worcester, Mark Badger was one of the Canons involved in the ceremony. He said: “It was a privilege to be involved in this election. It doesn’t happen very often and it’s great to be involved in the traditions of the Church of England.”
Honorary Lay Canon, Kath Davis (who is diocesan co-warden of Readers) said: “It was great to have this role to play and feel part of the history of the Cathedral and the Diocese in a completely different way!”
Following the election in the Diocese, there will be a ‘Confirmation of Election’ service on behalf of the Archbishop of Canterbury in London on 28 November. This completes the legal process after which Bishop Hugh takes office as the 114th Bishop of Worcester. His official start in the Diocese of Worcester will be after his service of welcome and installation on Saturday 17 January at 2pm.
Read more about the appointment of Bishop Hugh
