THE new Bishop of Dudley has been consecrated at a ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Graham Usher was installed in his new role on March 25 as members of his new Black Country flock joined representatives from his previous patch in the Diocese of Newcastle, where he was rector of Hexham Abbey.
During the service the new bishop was handed his pastoral staff, which was given to him as a gift from the Diocese of Newcastle – it is a traditional Northumbrian shepherd’s crook.
He was also given an episcopal ring, which was a gift from the parishioners of Hexham. It includes the design of the Hexham processional cross.
Bishop Graham Usher said: “The day involved so many different people in its planning, for which I'm most grateful. A particular joy was having music representing many different strands from my Christian journey.
“The service was a celebration of the many different gifts that the church gives and receives, and I hope it might be an encouragement to us all as we seek to follow Jesus."
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