The Right Reverend Mark Wroe, formerly Archdeacon of Northumberland, has been consecrated at York Minster as the new Suffragan Bishop of Berwick.
The service took place at 11am on Tuesday 5 January 2021, the Eve of the Feast of the Epiphany.
The Archbishop of York, The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell, presided and preached at the service, assisted by the Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Revd Christine Hardman and the Bishop of Chester, the Right Revd Mark Tanner, formerly Bishop of Berwick.
The consecration service took place in the context of the Eucharist and included readings, prayers, music and a sermon.
It was held under careful guidelines because of the Coronavirus pandemic with strict limits on the numbers attending.
The service was 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.
Bishop Mark, formerly Archdeacon of Northumberland, said: “I’m hugely grateful to everyone who was able to join in online with the Consecration Service in York Minster. There was such a great sense of people's prayers.
“Despite restricted attendance, it was a very special time and my immediate family were very warmly welcomed by all at the Minster. Although not the large celebration we might have imagined, the small numbers gave the service a greater focus, intimacy and sense of God’s presence. I’ve never been preached to in quite such a direct and powerful way before and I found the Archbishop’s sermon full of grace and challenge.
“The anointing with oil by Archbishop Stephen was particularly significant for me with its combined sense of God’s blessing and calling.
“Thank you to everyone for all the kind messages of support and encouragement. I’m really looking forward to serving our diocese and our region, in the immediate challenges we all face and in journeying with you through all that lies ahead.”
Archbishop Stephen said: “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 consecration, Bishop 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.”