It was all praying and celebration when Nigerian-born Dr Woyin Karowei Dorgu, appointed early in the year by the Queen of England, was consecrated as the new Bishop of Woolwich.

In a packed and joyful service on Friday, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, presided at the consecration and the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Dr John Sentamu, preached the sermon.

Dr Dorgu, until recently vicar of St John’s Upper Holloway, succeeds Rt Revd Michael Ipgrave who served as Bishop of Woolwich between 2012 and 2016.

Civic representatives attending the service included Mayor of Southwark Cllr Kath Whittam and council leader Cllr Peter John.

Bishop Karowei said: “I am pleased and privileged to be coming to work and share with the people of the Woolwich area and of Southwark diocese.

“In the first few weeks and months I want to visit the parishes and get to know the priests and people of the area as we begin to share our faith and lives with each other and to consider how best to be God’s people in this time and this place.

“Mosun and I are delighted to be part of the vibrant community that is South London and look forward to spending time with all those amongst whom we live and work.”

The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, said: “I am glad to welcome Bishop Karowei into the Southwark Episcopal team and wider diocese as he becomes Bishop of Woolwich.

“His love of our Lord and joyful Gospel witness will be a great blessing to us all and especially to the parishes and people of the Woolwich Episcopal Area.” (NAN)

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