Cathedral Square filled with an estimated 1000 Anglicans and supporters from the Diocese (spanning Canterbury, Westland and the Chatham Islands) and beyond to celebrate Bishop Peter Carrell’s installation as the Ninth Anglican Bishop of Christchurch today.

The location of the installation was deliberate, said Bishop Peter.

“Today I am not able to be installed inside the cathedral but I am glad to be installed as close to it as safety permits. One day we will be inside the cathedral again and when we re-open it, I will stand outside the main doors, eager to bang on the doors with my crozier, a custom normally associated with an installation service.”

During the service the Square transformed into a place of celebration and new beginnings as the trumpet sounded. Members of each parish processed into the centre of the Square with their territorial Archdeacons, with Cathedral staff, the Bishops and Archbishops.

Bishop Peter was escorted to sit on the Bishops’ chair, called a cathedra, and in sitting in the chair, he was officially installed as the Christchurch Diocese’s Ninth Bishop. There was a great feeling of camaraderie among those present as the people joyfully received Bishop Peter in his new role. Civic leaders and other denominational heads were present and also offered their support. Mayor Leanne Dalziel and Reverend Barry Ayres both spoke about working together for the good of Christchurch.

In his address the new Bishop thanked the Anglican Church for their faith in him and pledged to work cooperatively with civic and church leaders across the regions. He spoke about the Cathedral reinstatement, thanking the Government and other parties for making the reinstatement possible.

He also spoke about the mission of the church and paid tribute to his eight predecessors. Bishop Peter invited all present to attend the services in the Transitional Cathedral tomorrow to hear him preach his first sermons in his new role as Bishop. He will be preaching at the services held at 8:00 am, 10:00 am and 5:00 pm.

The installation followed a separate Ordination Service this morning at Christchurch Boys’ High School.

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