THE next Bishop of Bath and Wells will use various forms of transport to attend the service installing him in the role.
The Rt Rev Michael Beasley will walk from Morning Prayer at Bath Abbey to catch a bus to Odd Down Park and Ride on Saturday, November 12.
From there he will travel by car to Peasedown St John before switching to an electric bike, a police car, a tractor and finally a vintage lorry to drop him in Wells in time for the service.
During his trip he will meet local people ahead of the service confirming him as the 80th Bishop of Bath and Wells.
People from across the diocese will take part in the service and every parish in Bath and Wells will be represented.
Bishop Michael said: "It’s an astonishing privilege. I’m humbled to serve in a role which has seen so much of our country’s history.”
The formalities begin with Bishop Michael walking from the Bishop’s Palace in Wells to Wells Cathedral with young people who took part in the process to select the new bishop.
On arrival at Wells Cathedral, Bishop Michael will be greeted by a young person before the Very Reverend John Davies, Dean of Wells, gives the formal welcome and legal declarations are made.
Bishop Michael will make his Oath of Allegiance to the King before kneeling at the nave sanctuary steps, where he will be anointed with consecrated oil.
He will then receive the episcopal ring dating from the 15th century and first worn by, and buried with, former Bishop of Bath and Wells, Thomas Beckynton.
The Dean of Wells will then ask the Archdeacon of Canterbury, representing the Archbishop of Canterbury, to seat Bishop Michael in the Bishop’s cathedra (chair), officially installing him as the Bishop of Bath and Wells.
Following the formalities a child will address the bishop reminding him that “Jesus said, ‘Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’
This will be followed by the bishop being welcomed by Mohammed Sadiq, the Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset, the Rt Rev Dr Derek Kamukwamba, Bishop of Central Zambia, and people from across the diocese.
After the service, attendees will be invited to enjoy apple juice and honey cake made with Somerset honey from bees kept by Bishop Michael’s father-in-law Ken Jeanes.
READ MORE: Downing Street announces new Bishop of Bath and Wells.
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