AN historic service to officially install the new Bishop of the diocese of Ripon and Leeds will have its emphasis on youth.

The former Bishop of Warrington, the Right Reverend John Packer, will kneel to wash the feet of two young people in a dramatic symbol of Christian service at Ripon Cathedral.

The ceremony, which follows the example of Christ, is just one of a number of elements which have been introduced into the traditional service, which takes place on Sunday, July 16, at 3pm.

Closed circuit television cameras will relay the ceremony to monitors both inside and outside the cathedral and a mobile phone link between the cathedral and Leeds Parish Church will set off a wave of bell ringing around the diocese at the end of the service.

Bishop Packer said: "I look forward to spending time in every part of the diocese in the coming months, listening to the concerns of church people, of local communities and of industry, commerce and farming.

"The diocese and its people continue to be very much in my prayers as I prepare to join them in ministry."

echo