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New Bishop’s Meetings
Building Trust across the Diocese.
“A bright new future is dawning in Chichester Diocese.” That was the view from one church member who attended one of the four meetings held across the diocese to introduce the Right Revd., Dr Martin Warner, recently elected as diocesan Bishop of Chichester.
Bishop Martin asked for an opportunity to meet with people across the area and to encourage people to express any views they may have in response to his appointment. He said, “This is just an early beginning in search of how we find ways to build relationships of trust within the family of this wonderfully diverse and very gifted diocese.”
The packed venues heard an open and honest account of his early life. It carried a profound message of what the Christian faith can do to make a difference.
Speaking with conviction he said he had a clear message for the people of the diocese. He said it would be his prime task as bishop to support everyone, both clergy and lay, and to help increase a greater awareness of God in their lives. “I wish to be your Bishop irrespective of your churchmanship” – was a recurring theme in all his answers.
A traditionalist, supportive of women’s ministry, he said serious consideration would be given to appointing a bishop, to be in either Lewes or Horsham, when a vacancy occurs, who is prepared to ordain women.
Bishop Martin also said we should be intelligent and attentive in recognising our interdependence on each other and we should give space to others.
Concerning lay people, he expressed support for Christian teachers, helping to shape the lives of young people, and urged lay people to volunteer as school governors. He recognised the contribution and commitment of Readers and sees this important work as a beacon for lay public ministry.
In response to questions on mission Bishop Martin said it must be the focus of the diocese and we have to work together to extend communities that include everyone, especially the young by creating opportunities for the different generations to be together.
TIMELINE. Bishop Martin completed training at St Stephen’s House, Oxford. Ordained deacon in 1984 and priest in 1985 in Exeter Cathedral. He was elected Priest Administrator of the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham 1993 – 2002. Priest in charge of Hempton and Pudding Norton 1998 –2000. Honorary Canon of Norwich 2000-2002. Appointed Residentiary Canon of St Paul’s Cathedral in London 2003 – 2010. Suffragan Bishop of Whitby in the diocese of York in 2010.
(Reproduced from the Chichester Magazine Aug/Sept 2012)