A message from the Archbishop of Canterbury on the occasion of the consecration of the Bishops of Ebbsfleet and Richborough

Today has been a very happy day indeed. We have welcomed Bishop Norman and Bishop Jonathan as colleagues amongst the Bishops of the Church of England and we have celebrated in a very moving service at Southwark Cathedral the inauguration of their Episcopal ministry.

Speaking for myself I’m delighted that we have bishops of such quality to join us in ministering to this very significant section of the Church of England. Without the traditional Catholic voice and presence the Church of England would be less than itself.

It would lose a robust, creative, deep rooted part of its tradition. My hope and prayer is that the appointment of these two new bishops and their future ministry will consolidate that tradition, reinvigorate it and help it play its part in the Church of England and the wider Church of God for many years to come.