THE Rt Rev Mike Harrison has been confirmed as the new Bishop of Exeter by the Archbishop of Canterbury in a service steeped in history at Lambeth Palace in London.

The ceremony, which includes elements of a medieval court of law, is known as the Confirmation of Election.

Bishop Mike, the Bishop of Exeter, centre, with his family and, centre right, The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby.
Bishop Mike, the Bishop of Exeter, centre, with his family and, centre right, The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby. (Diocese of Exeter)

Its origins date from the fourth century AD.

The Confirmation confers the spiritual jurisdiction of the diocese (in this case Devon) on the bishop and signifies his endorsement by the wider Church.

During the ceremony, Bishop Mike was required to take oaths on the Bible and sign a Declaration of Assent.

The Vicar General then confirmed his new legal status as the 72nd Bishop of Exeter.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, gave Bishop Mike instructions for his new role, known as a Charge.

He said: “Every single person in the Diocese of Exeter, of all faiths or of no faith, is in your care.

“They all count equally, no matter who they are. I think you have a very joyful and exciting time ahead of you in Devon.”

Commenting on his confirmation, Bishop Mike thanked the Bishop of Crediton, the Rt Rev Jackie Searle, who has been Acting Bishop of Exeter for the past year, and said: “I am so grateful for the prayers and kindness that have surrounded myself, Rachel and the family as we prepare to move to Devon.

“This service marks a significant moment in that transition, and I am looking forward greatly to joining with sisters and brothers in the Diocese of Exeter in discerning where God is leading us as we seek to share the Good News of the love of Jesus Christ with the people of Devon.”

He succeeds the Rt. Rev’d Robert Atwell, who retired last September.

Bishop Mike is married to Rachel, an Occupational Therapist, and they have four adult children. He was born in Bolton and is a passionate supporter of Bolton Wanderers football team, as well as being a beekeeper, keen cake baker and fan of live comedy.

He was ordained in 1990 after discerning a call to ordination following a Mathematics degree at Cambridge University.

For the past eight years he has served as a suffragan bishop in Suffolk, while previously he was Director of Mission and Ministry for Leicester Diocese and before that served in inner-city and urban parishes in London following work as a management consultant and social worker.

Bishop Mike is currently the national lead bishop for Pioneer Ministry and has a track record in mission, evangelism, and discipleship.

Previously he said he has long-standing connections with Devon. His family used to holiday in North Devon every year as a child, he courted his future wife in Exeter when she was a student at St Loyes College, and he discerned a vocation to the ordained ministry while worshipping at Exeter Cathedral and a local church.”

Bishop Mike will begin his new role on November 2 when his Service of Enthronement takes place at Exeter Cathedral.