Plymouth bishop installation delayed for second time

The installation of the Bishop-elect of Plymouth, Philip Moger, which was due to take place this Saturday, has been delayed.

In a statement today, Moger said: “In the very last few days, concerns have been raised of a personal nature to which I must attend immediately. This will take a little time.

“I have therefore agreed with all directly concerned to delay my installation as the new Bishop of Plymouth until these processes have been completed.

“I sincerely regret this delay and offer my apologies to all who are disappointed and inconvenienced. However it is important that everything is properly in place and due process observed.

“While this process takes place no further comment will be made.”

This is the second time in a year that the installation of a Bishop of Plymouth has failed to proceed.

Earlier this year, in February, Canon Christopher Whitehead was due to be installed but this too did not go ahead, in this case to allow a “canonical procedure” to take place. After a preliminary inquiry by the diocese found that no canonical investigation was needed, Canon Whitehead returned to his former parish in Bath.

Plymouth has been vacant since June 2022 when Bishop Mark O’Toole became Archbishop of Cardiff.

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