It is 10 years since I became a bishop. Michaelmas was my anniversary. I have not had time to reflect over the last ten years and all I have learnt, but I am able to share with you something of the past month and what I have been getting up to here in Liverpool!
September has been my first full month ‘on the job’ as it were. I paid a few visits up north prior to Easter and then had to take 6 weeks off in the latter part of May and June. Thank you so much for all your prayers! July saw Howard and I move into the Bishop’s Lodge and then following a brief camping trip with the family, it has been all systems go throughout September.
So… in the past month amongst other things I have…
- Licensed 4 new priests into their parish ministry and a new Reader.
- Confirmed 10 at St Anne’s in Stanley – (lovely to have a daughter confirmed alongside her dad and a son, alongside his mum)
- Visited a couple of schools and shared in the day conference for our school headteachers, chairs of governors, and their parish partner colleagues
- Had breakfast with two deanery chapters of clergy
- Welcomed the recently ordained deacons and priests and their families for a BBQ
- Had the Lay chairs of deaneries round for supper
- Commissioned the new members of the Tsedaqah community who have recently arrived from Jamaica, the US and her in the UK.
- Joined with the College of Bishops for a 4 day stay here in Liverpool as we reflected together on the theme of Hope
- Welcomed and shared in worship with Christians involved in political life as they gathered for the Labour Party conference
- Heard from Liverpool’s Mayor as he shared his vision for the city and listened to us as leaders of churches of all denominations across the area.
- Played a part in the consecration of a new Bishop of Doncaster in York Minster
- Gathered about 80 of our female clergy to hear their experiences and stories as women in ministry
- Met with the Bishop’s Council to consider together the appointment of the next Bishop of Warrington
… you will be able to see some of those special moments in the photos here online.
Alongside that however there have been some very special moments of worship on Sundays, at a number of our parish churches. And plenty of conversations with individuals and groups as we have discerned together what God is calling us to be and do here within Liverpool diocese. It has been full on and yet there has been time for rest and family too. I’m finding delight in what I am discovering as well as noticing issues we need to address. Please join with me in praying for all of us as we seek God’s best for our communities!
With love and prayers, +Ruth. Sept 2025
