Mayor of Worcester

THE last installation of a new Bishop of Worcester was in 2008.

I was not there because I was eight years old and not involved in the church.

However, there were many children joyously taking part in the installation of Bishop Hugh Edmund Nelson last Saturday (17 January).

If you are thinking ‘Matt Lamb is younger than I thought’, you’ll be relieved to know that this week’s edition of the Mayor’s Blog has been written by the Deputy Mayor of Worcester, Cllr Tor Pingree, while Cllr Lamb is away.

Bishop Hugh Nelson was incredibly warm and welcoming to every attendee of the service, greeting each of us at the door with a smile and a handshake. The 13 years that he spent working for a charity, supporting adults with learning disabilities, shows in his considerate approach to each member of the congregation.

Worcester Cathedral was packed with standing room only for some. Throughout the service I could see a row of parents desperately rocking pushchairs back and forth to prevent their babies from crying. From the youngest to the oldest attendee, it was clear what an honour and a privilege it was to be able to watch the 114th Bishop of Worcester being led to his Episcopal Chair.

Having not been raised Christian, many of the church services I have been to have been in remembrance: sombre and reflective.

The installation was completely the opposite. A bright and celebratory event, with some more traditional and ethereal choir pieces followed by modern, fast paced song and dance pieces. It was so fun to see the new Bishop join in with the children choir’s dance moves. I also joined in as best I could.

Hugh Nelson joins a long line of Bishops, dating back to the year 680. Each a teacher of the faith, a carer for the clergy and congregation, and a leader of the diocese.

He will act as a symbol of unity between different parishes and communities and, from what I have seen, he will do so with joy and compassion.

Thank you to all of the staff and volunteers at Worcester Cathedral for inviting me, all the work you did to make this event happen and for the pear juice handed out to each attendee at the end of the service.