New Bishop of Edinburgh consecrated

AROUND 800 people were expected at a special service in St Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral today for the consecration and installation of the new Bishop of Edinburgh.

The Very Rev Dr John Armes has been rector of St John’s Church, Princes Street, since 1998 and dean of the diocese – effectively deputy to the bishop – for the past two years. He was elected bishop earlier this year to take over from the Right Rev Brian Smith who retired.

Today’s service was being led by the Most Rev David Chillingworth, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church. He said: “John Armes has had a distinctive ministry as rector of St John’s and has placed the ministry of the Scottish Episcopal Church at the heart of the city of Edinburgh.”

During the ceremony, Dr Armes, who will be the 26th Bishop of Edinburgh, was due to be handed the bishop’s ring, cross and crozier.