THE first female bishop of Warrington has been consecrated in front of hundreds of well-wishers at York Minster.

Bev Mason was joined by members of the Diocese of Liverpool at the service on Thursday along with family members and her colleagues from the Diocese of Leeds.

Bev swore her various oaths of allegiance and made her vows ahead of the laying on of hands from her colleague bishops across the Northern Province of York. Hymns.

She Bev said “Today has been an incredible moving and powerful service and I’m grateful for all who have surrounded today with prayer.

“In this service I had a real sense of binding myself to the Trinity. This is important to me as evidenced by my ring and staff.

“I am keenly aware that I am entering the apostolic tradition of witness, proclamation and service. For me, this will to be shaped by the mission of God as we express it in Liverpool.

“I will do all in my power to support and encourage my sisters and brothers in endeavouring to be a bigger church making a bigger difference in their worshipping community, parish, school, and Chaplaincy.

“I look forward with eagerness to the next stage of my journey as I am received into the Diocese in November and I hope that you will be able to join me in this celebration, not just of my ministry, but of all God is doing in our particular ministries and vocations in the Diocese of Liverpool.”

Warrington Guardian:

The Archibishop of York with the new Bishop of Warrington Picture: Duncan Lomax, Ravage Productions

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu said: “Since Beverley first gave her life to Christ on the top of Table Mountain while on a backpacking trip in 1994, she has never ceased to grow in her commitment to Christ and in witnessing to him.

“I am delighted that she will now bring her rich gifts of discipleship and mission to her new role as Bishop of Warrington and we give thanks to God for this today.

“Please join me in prayer that by the grace of the Holy Spirit, she may be empowered to encourage many others to encounter the risen Christ.

“Warrington Wolves may have lost to Wigan, but they all are great and very determined.”

Bishop of Liverpool Paul said: “I am delighted to welcome her as a colleague here.

“As we celebrate Bishop Bev’s consecration we now look forward to joining her at Liverpool Cathedral, as we welcome her to our Diocese on November 17.”