O Happy day?

It was announced at 11am this morning that Chris Cocksworth, principle of Ridley Hall has been appointed Bishop of Coventry. While its fair to say that all at Ridley were sure that Chris would one day be made a bishop we were all probably secretly hoping it would not be whilst we where students here.

It’s a great day for the Church and of course for Coventry, Chris is a man of amazing gifts as a theologian but also as a man of great pastoral sensitivity. The fact that he has been appointed directly to be a diocesan bishop, the youngest that will currently be serving, shows that the church has recognised these gifts as well. But for us at Ridley this it is a day touched with sadness as it’s a great loss to the college. It’s hard to imagine coming back next year and him not being here. Still we can take heart from those that have been through this before. When the previous principle left to be a bishop there were similar feelings said to be expressed then of him being irreplaceable and yet God was gracious and brought a principle that has also been a blessing to the college as his successors were. I have every confidence that God shall do the same again.

So please pray for Chris and his family as they prepare to take up their new post and pray for the college as they begin the search for a new principle.

(Please also pray that we are gracious and not stick our tongues out at those ordinands from Coventry Diocese who are jumping up and down with glee at the appointment!)

Just noticed that my friend Jeremy has also posted on this but has the addition of a rather fine photograph. Somehow I don't think this will make the offical press releases!