Suffolk’s incoming Bishop was deeply moved by the moment she was legally confirmed as the county’s next diocesan Bishop during an historic service in London.
The Confirmation of Election service was a mixture of legal court and personal commitment, surrounded by prayer and worship at Saint Mary-le-Bow church in Cheapside, London.
The service was held in front of well-wishers from both Suffolk and her previous ministry as Bishop of Stepney, where she has served since 2019.
The Rt Rev Dr Joanne Grenfell said afterwards: “I found the service to be deeply moving. I have a huge sense of being surrounded by prayer, encouraged, and supported by the people of Suffolk. That’s been there throughout. Now amid my preparations for my move to Suffolk to be Bishop, I am so grateful for this support from those who were able to attend in London and all those whom I will soon meet in my new role.”
The service, which has its roots in medieval law, was held on September 5th and led by the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally. It completes the legal process by which Bishop Joanne assumes spiritual oversight of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese in Suffolk.
Bishop Joanne said: “In the midst of the curiously historic Anglican legal aspects of the ceremony, I was asked to express my own willingness to say yes to my election as Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, and to make my declaration and oaths under God. I was asked to commit to being your servant and pastor. I can't think of a greater responsibility. I chose the hymns and the reading because I wanted to try to express something of the kind of ministry that I hope we will share. The reading from Colossians 3 reminded us that in the love of Christ we are to be clothed "with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. And the words of Ruth Duck's hymn, "As a fire is meant for burning", direct us as members of Christ's Church to learn, teach, and walk together, as we "build a bridge of care" with our neighbours across the nations. These are themes that are dear to my heart and badly needed, both locally and globally."
The next steps now include a farewell service in Stepney on September 22nd, after which Bishop Joanne will be moving into the Bishop’s House in Park Road, Ipswich, at the end of October.
A date is being finalised to pay Homage to His Majesty the King and a service of welcome will then be held at St Edmundsbury Cathedral, Bury St Edmunds at a later date.
Although Bishop Joanne is now legally the Bishop of St Edmundsbury, she is grateful to Bishop Graeme Knowles, who has been acting Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich since Bishop Martin Seeley’s retirement, who remains willing to support leading the diocese over the coming months of transition
The Rt Rev Graeme Knowles, who has served as acting bishop of the St Edmundsbury and Ipswich Diocese, will continue as and an honoury assistant bishop helping with pastoral or liturgical duties.
Bishop Graeme said: “It has been a privilege to serve the diocese since Bishop Martin‘s retirement and I am now delighted to be asked to continue supporting Bishop Joanne as an assistant Bishop too.”
Gary Peverley, Diocesan Secretary, said: “It was a joy to be at the Confirmation of Election of Bishop Joanne in London along with others, and to support her as she begins her ministry with us all in Suffolk. The interim period, between Bishop Martin's retirement and Bishop Joanne's confirmation, has been made so much easier by the wisdom, guidance, hard work, steady influence and humour of Bishop Graeme. As he continues to support Bishop Joanne in the coming months with pastoral and liturgical duties, I know you will join me in offering our thanks to Bishop Graeme for his role in supporting our Diocese."
Picture: Bishop Joanne Grenfell pictured after the service at Saint Mary-le-Bow in Cheapside with well-wishers from Suffolk. Picture by: Aidan Grenfell, one of Bishop Joanne’s children; with her husband, James, they were amongst those attending last week’s service. Bishop Joanne with Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Sarah Mullally.