Diocesan Press Release

Croydon welcomes Bishop Tom

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  3 November 1998

Over four hundred people from churches in the Croydon Episcopal Area of Southwark Diocese gathered at St Bede's School, Redhill on Saturday 31 October to welcome the new Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Rev. Dr Tom Butler.

In a day characterised by humour, two young people from the Good Shepherd, Carshalton Beeches, performed what can only be described as an hilarious sketch concerning what a Bishop does.

They were followed by the Rev. Sara Goatcher, the Rector of St Nicholas, Sutton, who gave a potted view of the delights of the Croydon area. Bishop Tom responded by talking about the possible challenges of the Area which had within it some inner city areas, some rural areas and suburban areas. Referring to the Faith in the City and Faith in the Countryside initiatives Bishop Tom said that we need to be taking faith in the suburbs seriously. He spoke of the real pressures upon those who commute from the various parts of the Croydon area and of the importance of the churches role in seeking to care for and support them.

The Rt Rev Wilfred Wood, Bishop of Croydon, greeted Bishop Tom. During the Service of welcome at which Bishop Tom presided members from the deaneries led the intercessions. They brought forward water, oil, a lighted candle, a bottle of wine, some salt, a wooden cross and a loaf of bread. Each symbols of life they were used as the focus of the intercessions. Water recalled baptism and the Church's mission, oil linked with anointing for each one's calling. With a lighted candle they prayed to be a beacon of light; as they brought wine they asked for joy, and encouragement for all who are sad. Salt savours food and led to prayer to be challenging to the world, while a wooden cross reminded them of salvation and they prayed to grow in holiness. Finally a loaf of bread symbolised the Eucharist and they prayed to be a true community of thanksgiving and sharing.

Exhibitions from the deaneries in the Area formed a backdrop to the day which was enjoyed by all and gave everyone the chance to meet together and find out a little more about each other.

This welcome followed those in the Kingston and Woolwich areas of the Diocese and Bishop Tom will now begin a series of visits to the Deaneries of the Diocese as he continues to familiarize himself with the people and places of Southwark.

Ends.