New Bishop of Bedford consecrated

The Rt Revd Richard Inwood, the new Bishop of Bedford, was consecrated at Southwark Cathedral on Friday March 7th. 

He is the first bishop to be consecrated by Dr Rowan Williams, in his new role as Archbishop of Canterbury.

The Service of Consecration on Friday March 7th came just eight days after the new Archbishop was enthroned in a service watched by millions.

Richard Inwood was welcomed at a special service at St Paul's Church, Bedford on Saturday (March 8) at 5 p.m.

Click here to read Bishop Richard's sermon at the Service of Welcoming

Looking ahead to his new ministry, Richard Inwood, formerly Archdeacon of Halifax, said: "It's a great privilege to be the first bishop to be consecrated by Rowan Williams in his new role. Now, I am really looking forward to getting to meet as many people as possible, as quickly as possible.

"We believe that God has called us to the diocese and especially to Bedfordshire and Luton, and will try to follow his call in all that we seek to do."

Richard Inwood will have oversight of 150 parishes in Luton and Bedfordshire, under the direction of the Bishop of St Albans. He succeeds the Rt Revd John Richardson, who retired last July after more than eight years as Bishop.

Married with three grown-up daughters, Richard Inwood has been ordained for 28 years. He served in Sheffield, London, Bath and Yeovil, before becoming Archdeacon of Halifax in 1995. His wife, Liz is a maths teacher and examiner.

Richard Inwood read Chemistry at University College, Oxford, and later, Theology at Nottingham University. Before ordination, Richard spent a year teaching in north-west Uganda and worked as a research and development chemist with ICI in Manchester for nearly two years.

Speaking of his new role, he said: "I hope, as Bishop, to be an interpreter, bringing a sense of God and his presence to places where there is little awareness of him. I would hope to open people’s eyes to what the church is really for and what Jesus Christ is offering them. I also want to offer support and care to the clergy, who are under increasing pressure today."

The Rt Revd. Christopher Herbert, Bishop of St Albans, said: "I am delighted to welcome Richard Inwood to the diocese. He brings a wide range of experience to his new post. I am sure that he and his wife, Liz, will be remembered in all our prayers as he undertakes this new and exciting ministry."

Back to home page

Richard Inwood, left, with the Archbishop