Christopher Chessun enthroned as tenth Bishop of Southwark

Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, previously Bishop of Woolwich, was named as Southwark's new diocesan bishop in October 2010. He succeeds Rt Revd Tom Butler who retired a year ago.

Before the service Bishop Christopher met the Bishop of London, Rt Revd Richard Chartres, in the middle of London Bridge where the two dioceses meet. They exchanged gifts and affirmed their commitment to working together across London.

Just after 3pm the new bishop knocked three times on the cathedral's south west door with his crosier. The acting dean, Canon Andrew Nunn, replied "Let the doors be opened" and the bishop was able to step into the building.

The enthronement ceremony, which took place during Choral Evensong, brought together representatives of national and civic life, other faiths and the many places and peoples whose ministry Bishop Christopher has touched, including Southwark’s link dioceses in Zimbabwe. The four bishops from these dioceses were present at the service.

Mayors from across the diocese, which covers south London and east Surrey, were present for the service. They included Southwark Mayor Tayo Situ and Lambeth Mayor Dr Neeraj Patil.

The first lesson was read by the Mayor of Southwark using the Authorised Version of the Bible in recognition of the 400th anniversary of the translation undertaken with the help of Lancelot Andrews who is buried in the cathedral.

Southwark Council's leader Cllr Peter John, chief executive Annie Shepperd and Cathedrals ward councillor Geoffrey Thornton were among the congregation.

Parliamentarians whose constituencies are in Southwark diocese were also present, including Simon Hughes MP and Streatham's Chuka Umunna.

Ecumenical guests included the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Southwark Most Revd Peter Smith, Canon James Cronin, dean of St George's Cathedral and Rt Revd Paul Hendricks, Roman Catholic auxiliary bishop in Southwark.