Bishop Martin reflects on the last 18 months as Acting Bishop of Worcester and gives thanks for the prayers and support he has received.
"As my time as Acting Bishop of Worcester and the episcopal vacancy comes to an end, I wanted to thank everyone for your prayers, support and encouragement over the last 18 months. Despite the challenges, I have very much enjoyed the opportunity to serve the Diocese in this way. I am indebted to my hardworking colleagues in the Bishops’ Staff Team and Bishops’ Offices for the way they have risen to the challenge with me. They are magnificent colleagues who have been tireless in their support for me and the diocese. We are blessed to have such professional support from them and all who serve in the parish support hub at the diocesan office.
We have been particularly stretched in the last few months supporting our Cathedral, following the tragic death of the Precentor, John Paul, in Lent. Our much-loved Dean, Stephen Edwards, has himself been unwell since September, and with the Chief Operating Officer also leaving for a new post elsewhere, the Cathedral has been severely understaffed. Kimberley Bohan has worked hard as the only residentiary canon present throughout the autumn, and Bishop Olivia provided vital leadership as Interim Dean during this time. Andy Todd has given invaluable support as Interim COO. I’m very glad to say that Stephen is now staring a phased return with initial support from Archdeacon Nikki as Interim Assistant Dean. Jamie Klair will be joining the team on a special placement alongside his curacy at All Saints', Worcester, while Adam Hadley will be sharing some of the Interim COO role until a permanent replacement is found, and a new Precentor appointed. Please keep them all in your prayers.
I am very much looking forward to working with Bishop Hugh and to sharing with him in the oversight of this great diocese. We are blessed to have him joining us and he will bring his own spiritual energy and wisdom to our life and ministry here. His house is being renovated so he will live in temporary lodgings elsewhere in Worcester at first, but with a working base in the Bishop’s Office at the Old Palace. We are all looking forward to welcoming him on Saturday 17 January at 2pm in the Cathedral, and I hope to see many of you there.
People sometimes ask me what I will do now. Happily, I will continue as Bishop of Dudley and will be delighted to do that. It’s been an honour, and a real pleasure to serve as Acting Bishop of Worcester as well but one job will be quite sufficient for me going forwards! I will be glad to be able to give more attention to Dudley Borough and its people and pick up some other matters that have had to be put to one side during the vacancy. I have recently been made Lead Bishop for the Porvoo Communion, for example.
I will be very glad to support Bishop Hugh as he settles into the Diocese, and he has kindly offered me a sabbatical April-June, which I will look forward to taking. It will be a chance to rest in God and to re-set for all that lies ahead.
Finally, I have valued most of all the times that we have met and prayed and worshipped together, especially out in the parishes where I always love to be. Thank you for all you do so faithfully, and for all that we have shared together.
Jesus said,
‘I am the Vine, you are the branches’
and I see the fruit of that vine everywhere I go.
‘As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Abide in my love.’
May we all abide in the love of Jesus and find our true home in His heart. And may we go and share that love wherever He calls us to be and to serve.
God bless you all
Bishop Martin
