Stock warned of dangers in being a bishop

THE NEW Bishop of Leeds has been warned that holding episcopal office is “dangerous” and that service must be at the centre of his ministry, writes Christopher Lamb.

At the installation and ordination of Bishop Marcus Stock last Thursday at St Anne’s Cathedral, the Archbishop of Liverpool, Malcolm McMahon, said: “Being a bishop is dangerous because it might go to your head.”

He added: “Rather, Marcus, if you are to be a good bishop, you must do as Jesus did, and get on your hands and knees to wash the feet of those whom you serve.” The diocese had been a vacant see for two-and-a-half years and over the years has been facing financial challenges. Archbishop McMahon described a bishop as a “helmsman” who stands at the back of a vessel in order to “steer the boat through rough waters and calm”. Bishop Stock, Archbishop McMahon added, does not do things by halves and wakes up every morning at 4.30 a.m. to pray.