IMG_7794There was a full house at Truro Cathedral to see the Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth, the Rt Rev Mark O’Toole welcomed as Ecumenical Canon of the Cathedral. Rev Olive Stevens was also installed as a non-Residentiary Canon and Canon Alan Bashforth installed as Residentiary Canon Chancellor.

At the beginning of the service, a robed procession of 100 people entered the Cathedral singing ‘Christ is made the sure foundation’ before a solemn Choral Evensong and then legal formalities involving the Diocesan Bishop and Registrar were undertaken.

Rt Rev Mark O’Toole replaces Bishop Christopher Budd who retired.

In his homily, Bishop Mark gave thanks for the honour and then spoke about Ecumenicism past and present, reminding those present that “What we share is greater than what divides us”. He continued by referring to his studies at Oxford where his tutor Anglican Rowan Williams had helped him unravel the theology of the German theologian Balthazar and the thinking of King Solomon’s prayer at the Dedication of the temple. 2 Ch.6.

Those present were reminded that Bishop Benson’s son became a Roman Catholic priest and later bequeathed a house as a centre for ecumenical relations where past difficulties were acknowledged but the presence of God recognised and becomes a reality as demonstrated by St. Paul in Eph.6.

The congregation were also reminded that the Pope continues to pray for unity. Bishop Mark also referred to the fact both churches are united in Baptism and a belief in the Trinity. Both churches evangelise where personal conversations are more effective than ‘meetings’. He concluded by asking all to persevere on the journey together.

As the procession re-assembled and returned to the crypt, the hymn “Oh praise we the Lord” was sung.

• The Revd Anthony Michael Windross, at present Vicar of Hythe (St Leonard) St Michael and All Angels in the Diocese of Canterbury is to be Rector of the Week St Mary Circle of Parishes in the Diocese of Truro. He will be instituted and inducted by the Bishop of St Germans on Thursday, December 4 at 7pm at Week St Mary.