The Venerable Mark Wroe, currently Archdeacon of Northumberland, will be consecrated as the next Suffragan Bishop of Berwick in the Diocese of Newcastle at York Minster at 11am on Tuesday 5 January 2021, the Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany.
The Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, will preside and preach at the service, assisted by the Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Revd Christine Hardman and the Bishop of Chester, the Right Revd Mark Tanner.
The consecration service will take place in the context of the Eucharist and will include readings, prayers, music and a sermon.
The service will be held under careful guidelines because of the Coronavirus pandemic with strict limits on the numbers attending.
The service will be live-streamed making it possible for Mark’s family and friends unable to be present and members of the worldwide Christian family to experience the occasion in real time.
Archbishop Stephen said: “I am delighted that Her Majesty The Queen has accepted the nomination of the Venerable Mark Wroe as the next Suffragan Bishop of Berwick. Mark has a heart for the people of God in the North East. His compassion, dedication and energy will inspire others in growing church and in building hope. I pray he will continue to be a blessing to the Diocese of Newcastle in his new role”.
Commenting on his forthcoming consecration, Mark said: “It’s an extraordinary privilege to become the Bishop of Berwick and humbling to be consecrated at York Minster on the eve of Epiphany. I am very much looking forward to serving God alongside Bishop Christine in a diocese I know and love.
“These continue to be challenging times, with so many people concerned for loved ones and livelihoods, yet the Church has such deep hope and joy in Jesus Christ to offer everyone. I look forward to working with all those in our communities who seek to work together for a more compassionate society, sharing our hope and faith in Christ with humility, wisdom and courage.”
The livestream for Mark’s consecration service will be available on the York Minster website from 11am on Tuesday 5 January 2021 at www.yorkminster.org. The Order of Service will also be available for download on the day.