Vol 3/8
October
1998

Select from Index above or read all The Bridge by selecting the

symbol at the bottom of each page

Southwark celebrates the start of a new era

A steel band outside the Cathedral; a Salvation Army band inside, the Cathedral choir and organ, a young people's dance group, and an Asian band - all contributed to a wonderfully woven celebration of Southwark's new Bishop's enthronement on Saturday 12 September.

The Rt Rev. Dr Tom Butler arrived by river at London Bridge City Pier. The Archdeacons of Lambeth and Wandsworth, representing the Bishop of Kingston, had travelled with him and his wife Barbara from Lambeth Palace on the Harbour Master's launch, Whitehaven.

He was met on the pier by the Bishops of Croydon and Woolwich, whose area includes the waterfront at that point, and at the top of the ramp he was greeted by the rural deans and lay chairs of the deaneries.

As the party walked through Hays Galleria, they mingled with crowds of people enjoying the Oyster and Seafood Fair taking place there - and the Bishop stopped to sample an oyster and a proffered glass of champagne.

At the Cathedral

Meanwhile, in the Cathedral, the invited congregation awaited his arrival. The Chapter processed in and the Chancellor of the Diocese read the Mandate.

Before entering the Cathedral, the Bishop followed ancient tradition by knocking on the door with his pastoral staff (crozier). Admitted, and welcomed by the Provost, he took up the Southwark crozier laid down in January by his predecessor Bishop Roy Williamson. The Archdeacon of Canterbury - traditionally the Archbishop's emissary - installed him in the cathedra - the chair symbolising his office.

In his first sermon as Bishop of Southwark, Bishop Tom referred to the River Thames, saying that it had long given London a connection with the world, but divided the city in two.

He said "One of our tasks is not only to build bridges across South London, but also to build bridges across the river. We need to do that for the sake of Christian mission in the whole of Greater London."

He recalled his meeting with the Bishop of London on London Bridge a few days earlier "That wasn't just a friendly act. It was an act of commitment for the future. We and the other dioceses in and around London are partners as the world moves into a new millennium."

Children of the Diocese read (and danced) prayers for the parishes and communities of the suburbs and the countryside, for the Queen and her government, for civic leaders - many of whom were in the Cathedral that day - for schools, hospitals and prisons, for all people of faith, and for the future of the nation.

At the end of the service the new Bishop walked out into the grounds of the Cathedral to meet and greet personally many of the clergy and laity with whom he will work in the years ahead.

Sunday... the Parishes say 'hello'!

The following day, Sunday 13 September, more than a hundred colourful parish banners processed to the Cathedral behind the London Regiment Band of the Church Lads' and Church Girls' Brigade.

Clergy and lay people from all parts of South London and East Surrey filled the Cathedral for a service of welcome. Mrs Barbara Butler, the Bishop's wife, read the second lesson. Diocesan representatives brought water, oil, a lighted candle, wine, salt, a wooden cross, and a loaf of bread to place before the altar. These were signs of the calling of all to Christian life and witness, in remembrance of those who suffer, and of the community who form one body in the Eucharist. [Text of sermon]

Children again played their part, calling on the Bishop to encourage his flock to grow in learning, in prayer, in love, in honesty - all of which he promised.

more on Bishop Tom

The full printed edition of the 'Bridge' newspaper is available at all Southwark Parish Churches
Further copies can be obtained from wendy.s.robins@dswark.org.uk
Page design by BrainStorm