Future Channel Islands bishop is ordained
THE Right Rev. Stephen Lake was made a bishop at Southwark Cathedral yesterday as he took a step closer to becoming the 79th Bishop of Salisbury.
In due course he is set to become bishop for the Channel Islands as well.
Mr Lake moved to Salisbury with his family over Easter and will be enthroned in Salisbury Cathedral in June.
He 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 Rev. Robert Willis, Dean of Canterbury, who was my training priest when I was a curate.’
The Diocese of Salisbury contains 432 parishes, with 573 churches.
In 2020 it was agreed that the process should begin for the bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey to be linked to the Diocese of Salisbury. Therefore, Bishop Stephen will also, once the process is complete, also be bishop for the Channel Islands.
Members of Guernsey’s and Jersey’s Anglican churches had the opportunity to talk to Mr Lake during a trip last March.
Guernsey’s States is set to discuss the formal change from Winchester to Salisbury diocese this week – something which Jersey has already agreed.
