CAPTION: Bishop Moira with the Archdeacons of Barnstaple and Exeter, who will be working closely with her
Bishop Moira’s Service of Installation at Exeter Cathedral
The Rt. Rev’d Moira Astin, the new Bishop of Crediton, has been officially welcomed to her new role with a Service of Installation at Exeter Cathedral.
The word installation is a historic one, which comes from the placing of a bishop in their stall (seat) in the quire area of the Cathedral.
During the service Bishop Moira was installed in her episcopal seat witnessed by her fellow bishops, archdeacons and other members of the Cathedral chapter.
Bishop Moira wore her cope, depicting Devon coastal and countryside scenes, for the first time
She also preached her inaugural sermon as Bishop of Crediton.
It was based on the story of Moses and the Burning Bush and John 17:20-26, and Bishop Moira spoke about the importance of names and the importance of the name we call God by.
She said “The names of God in the Bible show us something of what God is like.
“God’s very essence is relationship… we believe in the God who is love.”
The service was attended by her family, the Lord Mayor of Exeter, Mayor of Crediton and clergy and church members from across the county.
It was Bishop Moira’s first opportunity to wear a bishop’s mitre and her specially made cope (cape), which is embroidered with rural scenes on the front and a puffin flying over the sea and musical notes on the back.
The bishop was given a loaf of bread with a puffin on it
Bishop Moira is very fond of seabirds, especially puffins. She also loves singing.
During the service two young people presented Bishop Moira with prayers people had written for her new ministry and the people she will be serving.
She was also asked by the Bishop of Exeter to make vows to lead ‘the people of God’ in the diocesan vision to grow in prayer, make new disciples and serve the people of Devon with joy.
After the service she was given a specially-baked loaf of bread with a puffin on it, to mark her admission to College of Canons of Exeter Cathedral.
