New Bishop of Berwick - only the second since the 16th Century - consecrated at York Minster

The Right Rev Mark Wroe, formerly Archdeacon of Northumberland, was installed as the new Suffragan Bishop of Berwick at a service on Tuesday.

It was held under careful guidelines because of the Coronavirus pandemic with strict limits on the numbers attending.

Among those in attendance were The Archbishop of York, The Most Rev Stephen Cottrell, the Bishop of Newcastle, the Right Rev Christine Hardman and the Bishop of Chester, the Right Rev Mark Tanner, formerly Bishop of Berwick.

The service was live-streamed for Mark’s family and friends to experience the occasion.

Bishop Mark said: “It’s an extraordinary privilege to become the Bishop of Berwick and humbling to be consecrated at York Minster.

“These continue to be challenging times, with so many people concerned for loved ones and livelihoods, yet the Church has such deep hope and joy in Jesus Christ to offer everyone.

"I look forward to working with all those in our communities who seek to work together for a more compassionate society, sharing our hope and faith in Christ with humility, wisdom and courage.”

He succeeds Rt Rev Mark Tanner who became the first Bishop of Berwick since 1572 when the Diocese of Newcastle resurrected a title out of use for 444 years in 2016.

The Right Rev Mark Wroe, who grew up in Chester-le-Street, has served in the North East since 2000.

The Bishop of Berwick serves an area covering from the Tyne to the Tweed.

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