Bishop of Hertford to become new Bishop of Portsmouth
The Rt Revd Christopher Foster and Mrs Sally Foster
Downing Street announced today, Tuesday 9th February that the Rt Revd Christopher Foster, the Bishop of Hertford, is to be the next Bishop of Portsmouth.
In his new role he will lead the ministry of the Church of England in the Portsmouth Diocese after 16 years in the Diocese of St Albans first as Sub-Dean of St Albans Cathedral and since 2001 as one of two Suffragan Bishops in the Diocese.
Addressing the people of the Diocese of St Albans on the announcement of his appointment he said:
“It has been a privilege to serve in St Albans diocese as Sub Dean and as Bishop of Hertford, and to leave will be a huge wrench for us. I am excited and humbled to be called to lead the diocese of Portsmouth but we are very sad to be leaving so many good friends and colleagues in the parishes and the wider community. Very many people give generously of themselves as disciples of Jesus Christ and so enable the mission of the gospel and the ministry of the Church to be vibrant and attractive. To have shared in that witness and service has been life-giving for me, particularly in my ministry as pastor and colleague among the clergy, among lay leaders as Warden of Readers, and the special joy of sharing in parish life at confirmations, in making appointments, and on other special occasions. Sally and I, with Richard and Miriam, have enjoyed warmth and affection here and St Albans diocese will always have a special place in our hearts and prayers”
The Bishop of St Albans, The Rt Revd Alan Smith led the messages of congratulation to Bishop Christopher:
“I have been privileged to know Bishop Chris as a valued colleague, as a fellow Christian, and as a good friend.As suffragan Bishop of Hertford in this diocese, and formerly as Sub Dean at St Albans Cathedral, Chris has demonstrated outstanding leadership, as a pastor and teacher. He has been assiduous in his commitment to parish visiting and in keeping close contact with the clergy and churches in his care. Chris is a man of deep prayer, in whom there is an infectious enthusiasm for the furthering of God’s work. St Albans diocese has benefited immeasurably from his ministry and mission. Chris and Sally will be greatly missed, but they will leave with the prayers and good wishes of the many thousands with whom they have worked, worshipped and prayed in this place.”
The Bishop of Bedford, the Rt Revd Richard Inwood said:
“I am absolutely delighted to hear that my colleague, Chris Foster, is to be the new Bishop of Portsmouth. We have worked very closely together, not least during the period before the appointment of a new Diocesan Bishop in this Diocese. Chris will make a wonderful people- and parish- centred Diocesan Bishop, and will bring warmth and prayerfulness to his new role. We shall miss him hugely here.”
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Bishop Christopher to be Bishop of Portsmouth
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Chris Foster to be Bishop of Portsmouth
Alan Harpham
Wednesday 10 February 2010 8:30:02 am