Winchester MP Steve Brine and Mayor Barry Lipscomb were among around 2000 who witnessed the ordination of the new Bishop of Winchester on Wednesday 25th January.
The ordination and consecration of the (former) Canon Tim Dakin was conducted at St Paul's Cathedral by the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Bishop Tim will be inaugurated and enthroned at Winchester Cathedral on 21st April.
Speaking afterwards, Steve said: "It was a huge honour to be there today to support Bishop Tim and see him formally ordained as Winchester's new Bishop. It was a fascinating service, one which I am sure has been conducted for centuries, and it was especially nice to be able to take communion along with thousands of other members of the congregation. It was lovely to see Bishop Michael (Scott-Joynt) and Lou there as well alongside the Dean of Winchester, the Mayor of Winchester and hundreds of Winchester people.
"I warmly welcome Bishop Tim to theĀ area of Winchester and look forward to getting to know him. I also welcome him to the other club he has now joined, that of Parliament and I am sure we will have lively discussions in the years ahead in that respect."
Pictured; Bishop Tim and guests after the ordination and consecration