A GRAND procession is taking place today to welcome the new Bishop of Oxford.

The Rt Rev Dr Steven Croft formally became the 43rd Bishop of Oxford at a ceremony at Lambeth Palace in July, but today he is being enthroned at Christ Church Cathedral.

It marks the beginning of his ministry in the Diocese of Oxford, which covers Oxfordshire, Berkshire and Buckinghamshire.

The Rt Rev Croft arrived at the cathedral off St Aldate’s following a procession through the city centre to attend the service of inauguration.

The service is full of pageantry and includes formal oaths of allegiance to the Queen and to the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Before the service Rt Rev Croft said: “I pray that the Church can grow in hope and faith and love in the coming years and continue to be a blessing to God’s world in every part of the Thames Valley.”

Dean of Christ Church the Very Rev Professor Martyn Percy said: “We warmly welcome the ministry of Bishop Steven.

“He brings a great a wealth of experience to the role and the tasks that lie before us as a diocese.

“We rejoice in the gifts that he brings us, and look forward to working with him in the mission and ministry we all share.”

A series of welcome services will now take place around the diocese, including one at Dorchester Abbey on Sunday, October 9 at 3.30pm, and another at the Church of the Holy Family, Blackbird Leys, on Wednesday, October 12 at 7.30pm.

Rt Rev Croft added: “I look forward to meeting people from across the whole diocese and building strong partnerships for the future in every place.”