"PRIVILEGE" AS ARCHDEACON TO BE BISHOP

This article appears in today's Leicester Mercury:

"Privilege" as archdeacon to be Bishop

An archdeacon of Leicester is to become a Bishop.

Venerable Richard Atkinson, currently archdeacon at Leicester Cathedral, has been appointed as Bishop of Bedford, in the Diocese of St Alban's.

The archdeacon, who has worked in the city and east Leicestershire for 10 years, said: "I am very much looking forward to the new challenges and opportunities.

"It has been a great privilege to be part of such a good team in a city and county where God has shaped me in so many ways."

During his time in Leicester, he founded the St Philip's Centre, in Evington, set up to increase engagement with people of other faiths.He also helped organise the revamp of the former Leicester Grammar School building, to create St Martin's House, a conference venue and outreach centre for the Diocese and Cathedral of Leicester.

The Bishop of Leicester, the Rt Rev Tim Stevens said he would be missed.

"I will personally be very sad to see Richard leave the Diocese of Leicester, as he has been an excellent colleague over many years, who has brought real creative energy to his Archdeaconry and the wider Diocese in so many ways," he said.

"I am, however, very happy to see Richard's talents and skills used by the Church in this new role in the Diocese of St Alban's, and know we will all want to wish Richard, Helen and their family well."

There will be a farewell service at Leicester Cathedral on Saturday, April 28, at 6pm.