Over 650 expected at bishop’s service

The service, which will be his formal welcome into the diocese, on Saturday, May 21, will be attended by over 650 people, including 15 bishops, leaders of other faiths, civic and parish representatives and Bishop Baines’ friends and family from across the country.

Before the service, at noon, Bishop Baines will be met by the Lord Mayor of Bradford on the steps of City Hall.

After a reception for civic leaders throughout the diocese, a Bavarian Oompah band will lead the bishop and civic leaders from city hall to the cathedral where the symbolic elements of the service include him knocking at the door to symbolise his arrival as an equal and picking up the staff left on the altar by former Bishop David James as he assumes pastoral responsibility for the diocese.

Bishop Baines said: “I came to love Bradford when I studied modern languages at the university and I’m delighted to be coming back to serve the churches and the communities here. I’m really looking forward to getting to know what is a very diverse diocese.

“The next few years will bring great challenges: economically, politically and culturally. I hope to encourage confidence in the Christian Church, the unique and particular role of the Church of England and the development of sensitive ministry and outreach.”

The bishop is an experienced broadcaster and has featured on the Chris Evans show on Radio 2.

He officially became Bishop of Bradford on April 1 at a special service at York Minster.

He graduated from Bradford University in 1980 with a degree in French and German. He trained for the ministry at Trinity College, Bristol and then gained parish experience. He was Bishop of Croydon from 2003-11 and before that Archdeacon of Lambeth.

The enthronement service will take place 2.30-4pm at Bradford Cathedral.