Bolton bishop vows to listen to clergy (From The Bolton News)

Bolton bishop vows to listen to clergy

BOLTON'S new bishop Chris Edmondson says his first task will be to listen to the clergy and people of the area.

The Rev Chris Edmondson, the new Bishop of Bolton

Rev Edmondson is currently warden of Lee Abbey in Devon, a Christian community which runs a conference, retreat and holiday centre.

He was named as the new Bishop of Bolton by 10 Downing Street today.

The 57-year-old clergyman and his wife, Susan, were officially welcomed to the area by the Bishop of Manchester Nigel McCulloch at a press conference in Manchester Cathedral.

Bishop Nigel also welcomed a new Bishop of Middleton to the diocese of Manchester, the current Archdeacon of Rochdale, Mark Davies.

Both new bishops will be consecrated by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu at York Minister on April 25.

In the meantime Rev Edmundson says he is looking forward to getting to know Bolton, its clergy and communities and building on the work done with ethnic minority faiths started by his predecessor, David Gillett, who retired recently.

For most of his career Rev Edmundson has worked as a parish priest and he believes the 10 years he spent as a vicar in Bradford will stand him in good stead to understand and work in a multicultural town such as Bolton.

"Living and working in Bradford I have an understanding of building relationships with other faith communities," he said.

Rev Edmondson, who has two grown up sons, began his career as a curate in Huddersfield and went on to work in parishes in Halifax, Cumbria and Bradford before moving to Lee Abbey six years ago.

He also spent more than 10 years as a bishops' advisor on evangelism and has published books on the subjects of community, mission and developing leadership.

Rev Edmondson admits his experience of the Bolton area is limited.

"I have been to watch Bolton Wanderers play Bradford City and it was a rather dull draw," he joked, adding that he has already researched the town and is looking forward to getting to know it better.

"I found the history fascinating and there are some exciting things going on with regard to regeneration," he said.

Rev Edmundson and his wife will make their new home in the former St Marks Vicarage in Worsley.

"I am looking forward to getting to know the clergy and community and will be listening very carefully," he said.