THE WELCOME AND INSTALLATION OF THE RIGHT REVEREND RICHARD FRITH AS THE 105TH BISHOP OF HEREFORD – SATURDAY 22ND NOVEMBER

The Enthronement of Richard Frith as the 105th Bishop of Hereford was both magnificent  and deeply spiritual.  The Cathedral was full to bursting with some 1400 guests including the Archbishop of York and eight other Bishops, three Lord Lieutenants and three High Sheriffs. All the Clergy from the Diocese were also present. This Service recognised the history of the Bishopric which dates back to 676 AD. This longevity was marked when the Bishop took his Oath of Fidelity on the Hereford Gospels a late eighth or early ninth century version of the Bible. The Hereford Prayers for the inauguration of a new Bishop which were written immediately after the Reformation were used in the Service.  As well as its history the Service was full of allusions to the importance of servitude in Christian leadership; recognising Christ’s humility and the need for modern Christian leaders to live up to his example.  This was a rich blend of history, pageantry and spirituality.