Donald Allister consecrated as bishop
Under the gilded dome of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Archbishop of Canterbury and some 30 other bishops consecrated (ordained) Donald Allister as a bishop yesterday (25 March). Until recently Archdeacon of Chester, he will shortly be installed as the 38th Bishop of Peterborough whose diocese covers all Northants, Rutland, and much of the city of Peterborough.
During the 90-minute service Bishop Donald made a series of declarations including commitments to lead his new diocese in proclaiming that gospel of Jesus Christ and to promote peace and reconciliation in the church and the world.
The highlight of the service came when he knelt before the Archbishop of Canterbury who in an act of consecration laid hands on him and anointed him with oil, while the other bishops gathered round and also laid hands on and prayed over him.
Some 200 people from around the Peterborough Diocese, including some 40 robed clergy and Readers, attended the service, along with many who had travelled from Chester Diocese by coach and train to support Donald in this step-change in his life and ministry.
He was presented to the Archbishop by two Peterborough representatives, Rt Revd Frank White, suffragan bishop of Brixworth, and Mrs Anne Toms, chair of the diocesan synod’s house of laity and one of its elected members on the Crown Nominations Commission which had chosen Donald Allister for this post.
And at the end of the service Bishop Frank along with senior colleagues and Peterborough Cathedral staff, escorted Bishop Donald to the great west door as a symbolic gesture of taking him back to Peterborough as their bishop.
An additional local link was provided by Simon Johnson, who for this service conducted the 30-strong St Paul’s cathedral adult choir. Simon is organist and assistant director of music at St Paul’s but hails from Peterborough Diocese where he was head chorister at the cathedral. He also went to school in Daventry, where his father Graham* was vicar and rural dean.
There were family and personal links for Donald Allister in the service, too. The first Bible reading was given by Lydia Asker, who will shortly be marrying the Allisters’ son John in Cheshire. The sermon was preached by Canon Christopher Burkett, a residentiary canon of Chester cathedral and a personal friend of Donald.
During his address Canon Burkett urged the new bishop to take time to study and ponder the scriptures. “Let the teacher teach how the teacher learns,” he said, explaining that most people learn more by observing the teacher’s methods than simply by absorbing his or her instruction.
He also encouraged Bishop Donald to “resist the urge to be useful” but instead to be “set free from the compulsion of achievement.” Living the Christian life, he said, was much more than completing tasks. “Take time to treasure people, cry with people, be with God and be with God’s people,” he said.
Following the service, Bishop Donald thanked all who had been there to witness what for him was “a very emotional, powerful and moving occasion”. Looking ahead to the start of his ministry he added that “My first task is to get to know people. It’s a big diocese and I need to travel around and get to know the people, the churches and the communities.
“I want to help the clergy, and to give Christians confidence in God and the Christian message. The church is alive, and it can grow. People are often keen to come back to church if they are invited and the church is welcoming.”
* Graham Johnson, now retired to Market Harborough, also served at St Jude Peterborough, in Harrowden and Orlingbury (near Wellingborough) and also was warden of Launde Abbey, now the shared retreat house for both Leicester and Peterborough dioceses. His wife Diane was at one time president of the Mothers Union in Peterborough Diocese, and lay chair of the diocesan synod.
Note to editors
The Rt Revd Donald Allister will not be undertaking any public engagements until his installation in Peterborough Cathedral on Saturday 17 April (3.30 pm) with one exception.
He will be joining other clergy in the diocese next Thursday (1 April) at about 1.00 pm in cathedral Square (near the HSBC Bank) for the now traditional Maundy Thursday shoe-shining for passers-by. A separate media release about this has been issued.
The installation service is open to the public and a ticket is not strictly necessary. However, as it is likely to be very full, to be sure of a seat people are urged to obtain a ticket by emailing the Bishop’s Secretary Alex Low on alex.low@peterborough-diocese.org.uk or calling 01733 562492. Tickets will be issued by post after Easter.
Information about media coverage of the installation service will be issued immediately after Easter. There will be specific (but limited) photo opportunities at it. Interview opportunities with Bishop Donald can be arranged to take place before the installation (but not on the day itself) through his press officer Derek Williams on 01733 887014 or email derek.williams@peterborough-diocese.org.uk.