Gavin is consecrated as Bishop of Dorchester

IT was an unusual way to be and our calling to show and share Above (l to r): Bishop Christopher; the consecrated, but our former that love with the communities Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby; archdeacon Gavin Collins is now the around us. Jesus’ promise is that Bishop Gavin Collins; and the Bishop of Bishop of Dorchester. he came to give us life in full Oxford, Steven Croft, at Lambeth Palace abundance, and, as Bishop of The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev Covid restrictions meant that Dorchester, it will be a joy to play a Steven Croft, said: “Gavin is known Gavin was consecrated by the part in helping the Church to grow for his warmth and approachability, Archbishop of Canterbury in the into and live out that abundance of and he is passionate about the chapel at Lambeth Palace in April life.” mission of the Church. 2021, with only a handful of family and colleagues present. It was very Gavin is one of the convenors of the “He is experienced in bringing different from the usual large-scale Evangelical Forum on Synod and churches, local authorities and civil celebration at St Paul’s Cathedral. has served as a trustee of Latin Link society organisations together for mission agency and of the London the good of all, and is clear about Gavin, who had been Archdeacon School of Theology. the issues rural communities and of the Meon in our diocese since towns face.” 2011, had also been announced He was educated in Law at Trinity as the bishop-elect unusually - Hall, Cambridge. He then worked And Bishop Christopher, said: at an online meeting hosted by as a solicitor in the City of London “We shall miss Gavin’s wisdom, the Bishop of Oxford. His new before training for ministry at Trinity commitment and energy in responsibilities include leading an College Bristol. He was ordained the many ways his ministry episcopal area that is larger than in 1997 and served his curacy in has contributed to our service many dioceses, with 326 churches Cambridge, then was vicar of and outreach, particularly in across 11 deaneries. Christ Church, Chorleywood from encouraging and enabling 2002 and was also rural dean of initiatives for the growth and Bishop Gavin said: “It’s a privilege Rickmansworth from 2006, before renewal of our individual and to work and worship alongside becoming Archdeacon of the Meon. corporate discipleship. the people of these churches as, together, we serve the communities He was elected to the Church “He has filled many important roles, of Oxfordshire. of England’s General Synod in especially as my senior diocesan 2013 and became our Warden of colleague for some years, but we “Throughout lockdown, churches Readers in 2014. Gavin is married to honour him most not for what he have shown us that nothing can Christina, who is a health visitor, and did but for who he is as a fellow separate us from the love of God, they have three children. disciple of Jesus.”

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