New Bishop of Chch consecrated

Press, 18 February 1984, Page 1

New Bishop of Chch consecrated

The bells at Christchurch Cathedral rang with special significance last evening. The Rt Rev. Maurice Goodall became the new Bishop of Christchurch.

About 1200 people crowded in Christchurch Cathedral to witness Bishop Goodall’s consecration. An installation ceremony this morning will place him in the Cathedral and identify him with the Christchurch Diocese.

Bishop Goodall becomes the sixth Bishop of Christchurch, succeeding Bishop Allan Pyatt, who retired last evening. The service began with a procession of about 300 which included 15 bishops, more than 100 clergymen from the diocese, and choir members. It attracted a crowd of curious Friday evening shoppers. Once the doors to the Cathedral closed, two closed television circuits, recording the service, were played in Cathedral Square. Bishops taking part in the ceremony included representatives from the eight dioceses of New Zealand, the Bishop of Aotearoa, the Rt Rev. Hui Vercoe, the Archbishop of Melanesia, the Most Rev. Norman Palmer, and the Bishop of New Delhi, the Rt Rev. Maqbul Caleb. History was also made in the Christchurch Diocese with the participation for the first time of the Catholic Bishop of Christchurch, the Most Rev. Brian Ashby. This was the first time in the diocese a Catholic bishop took part in the consecration of an Anglican bishop. Presiding over the ceremony, and the chief consecrator, the Archbishop of New Zealand, the Most Rev. Paul Reeves, said that bishops were called to exemplify the total ministry of the Church, and to lead her mission. “They are to seek out and to care for those in need with Christ-like compassion

and humility: they are to preach God’s word, to declare his divine forgiveness, and to administer his holy sacraments.”

He said that bishops were called to promote peace and unity among all Christ’s people, and to further the Church’s obedience to the truth; they exercised leadership in governing the Church and in maintaining the Church’s discipline.

After being presented to Archbishop Reeves as a priest, and wearing just a cassock, Bishop Goodall said he believed that God and his Church were calling him to that ministry. “I give thanks for the Church’s fellowship. I shall teach its faith, serve its purpose, and obey its authority according to the declarations I have made. And so I offer myself to be consecrated Bishop,” he said.

He was then dressed with the rochet, chinere, and pectoral cross of a bishop by Bishop Pyatt and a former Bishop of Victoria Nyanza (Tanzania), the Rt Rev. Maxwell Wiggins. He will be finally robed as a bishop today when he receives the cope and mitre. The sermon was given by the Rev. Clarice Greenslade, the vicar of Mount Herbert. The selection of Miss Greenslade to deliver the sermon was a special occasion in the Church as it is believed to be the first time a woman has preached at the consecration of an Anglican bishop. Another 1200 people are expected at the installation today, during which Bishop Goodall will formally be presented to the people of Christchurch.

After the ceremony, processions, banners, balloons, and a brass band are expected to be part of the celebratory scene in Cathedral Square. During this time Bishop Goodall will walk in the Square and meet the people in his first task in office.