CAPTION: The new Bishop of Exeter was formally elected at a ceremony at Exeter Cathedral attended by the College of Canons
New Bishop of Exeter Elected in Historic Cathedral Ceremony
The Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison was formally elected as the 72nd Bishop of Exeter in an historic ceremony at Exeter Cathedral on Thursday 20 June.
Since Saxon times, English diocesan bishops have been nominated by the King or Queen. The election ceremony marks the official acceptance by the Church of England in Devon of the monarch’s chosen candidate.
The process has remained largely unchanged since it was established by King John in 1214.
Exeter Cathedral’s College of Canons
The election. which took place in the Cathedral Quire, involved Exeter Cathedral’s College of Canons – a group which includes the Dean of Exeter and Residentiary Canons, Bishop Jackie and Bishop James, the archdeacons of Barnstaple, Exeter, Totnes and Plymouth and honorary and lay canons of the cathedral.
The Diocesan Registrar, Alison Stock, also played a key role in reading out the conge d’elir (permission to elect) from King Charles, and a separate letter from him nominating Bishop Mike as the chosen candidate.
She also oversaw the signing of the paperwork to certify the election.
Bishop Mike was not required to be present for the ceremony, at which the College of Canons gave their vote of assent by saying ‘aye’ and waving their orders of service .
The election was led by The Very Revd Jonathan Greener, Dean of Exeter. Commenting on the nomination he said: “Here at Exeter Cathedral we are excited that Bishop Mike Harrison is to be the next Bishop of Exeter. Coming from the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, where he is currently Suffragan Bishop of Dunwich, Bishop Mike brings a great deal of episcopal experience to the role – which will prove invaluable as he prepares to lead our diocese along the next phase of its pilgrim path.
“We shall be delighted to welcome him to the Cathedral, where he will in due course be installed into our amazing 14th century Bishop’s throne; and we much look forward to working with him to serve the people of our county and diocese in the coming months and years.
“We would like also to put on record our gratitude to Bishop Jackie, the Acting Bishop of Exeter, for working so hard during the vacancy to oversee and guide our diocese, and offer so much encouragement to us here at Exeter Cathedral.”
The Election of The Right Revd Mike Harrison as 72nd Bishop of Exeter follows the King’s approval of his nomination announced earlier this month, and precedes the Bishop’s Installation, which is due to take place at the cathedral later this year.
