Bishop Hugh Nelson Installed as Bishop of Worcester
Hundreds of people from across Worcestershire and Dudley gathered in Worcester Cathedral on Saturday for the Service of Welcome and Installation of Hugh Nelson as the 114th Bishop of Worcester.
The service began with a powerful and symbolic moment, as Bishop Hugh knocked on the Cathedral’s West Door three times before being formally welcomed inside. Young people played a central role throughout the service, reflecting the Diocese’s commitment to listening to, and involving, the next generation in its life and worship.
In his sermon, Bishop Hugh spoke warmly of the welcome he and his family have received and reflected on the diocesan vision of being ‘Kingdom People’, paying tribute to those serving their communities across Worcestershire and Dudley. Music was led by the Cathedral Choir and Youth Choir, alongside musicians from local churches, with prayers offered by the Archdeacons of Worcester and Dudley and representatives from partner dioceses overseas.
During the service, Bishop Hugh was formally installed in his seat by the Dean of Worcester and, at its conclusion, he returned to the West Doors to pray for the people of the Diocese at the start of his ministry.
Among those invited to attend was Headmaster of RGS Worcester, Mr John Pitt, reflecting the School’s long and historic relationship with Worcester Cathedral.
RGS Worcester was founded in around AD 685 by Bishop Bosel, who was the first Bishop of Worcester. This makes RGS one of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom. While the School became formally separate from the Cathedral in the late 13th Century, its origins remain closely connected to the life and history of the Diocese.
Mr Pitt said: “It was a great honour to attend the installation of Bishop Hugh Nelson at Worcester Cathedral. This was a significant moment in the life of the Diocese and a powerful reminder of the Cathedral’s central place in our city’s history. As a School founded by a Bishop of Worcester over 1,300 years ago, RGS Worcester deeply values its links with the Cathedral, and the support of the Dean and Chapter for the many events that we hold in such a wonderful Cathedral. We welcome Bishop Hugh to Worcester and wish him every success. We hope he enjoys becoming a part of the Worcestershire community.”
The Service marked the beginning of a new chapter for the Diocese of Worcester and offered a moment to reflect on the shared history and continuing connections between education, faith and community in the city.
