Today, Saturday 9 February, at Christchurch Boys’ High School Auditorium, the Reverend Doctor Peter Carrell was ordained a Bishop. This celebration was attended by 1000 people including Anglicans from the diocese and the province, including members of the Māori Anglican Church, Tikanga Māori, the Pacific Anglican Church, Tikanga Pasifika, heads of other denominations, civic leaders, business leaders and the new Bishop’s family and friends.

The service began with a full procession of clergy, bishops and archbishops. This was followed by a karanga and Mihi Whakatau led by Te Wai Pounamu, where the Bishop-elect surrounded by family, superbly and, at times, emotionally delivered his mihi (in te reo).

Archbishops Philip Richardson and Don Tamihere led the service. The bishop-elect was presented for ordination by members of the Christchurch Diocese: a layperson, Mrs Fay Deam; a priest, the Reverend Joshua Taylor; and a bishop, the Right Reverend Brian Carrell (Father of the Bishop-elect).

The Old Testament and Epistle bible readings were delivered by family members: Leah Carrell and Teresa Kundycki-Carrell. The Gospel reading, on the theme of Christ the Shepherd, was delivered by the Reverend Toby Behan.

Bishop Richard Wallace, O Te Wai Pounamu, in his sermon called for Bishop Peter to be the Chief Shepherd of his team and lead and guide the diocese in unity.

The Ordination itself is a time of consecration and prayer with laying-on of hands. The new Bishop was then presented with a Bible, a crozier or shepherd’s crook, and other symbols of ministry. This part of the service concluded with shouts of acclamation and applause that soon spread to a spontaneous standing ovation as the congregation celebrated and demonstrated their support.

Prayers were led by heads of churches in the region including the Catholic Bishop, Paul Martin, the Presbyterian Moderator, Reverend Anne Stewart, and King’s Church Pastor, Ken Shelley.

Music in the service was shared between a combined music group of young people, led by Paul Hegglun, and a combined choir from churches and schools all over the Diocese, led by Dr John Linker. A variety of worship styles were incorporated; all sung with joy and passion, enhancing the celebration.

Bishop Peter will now be installed as the Ninth Bishop of Christchurch in a service in Cathedral Square at 3pm today.

“I invite anyone interested to join with us at the Installation Service in the Square this afternoon. All are welcome to come down and celebrate with us together,” says Bishop Peter.

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