THERE was an organ fanfare and spontaneous applause as the new bishop strode through the cathedral’s west doors.

It was the first chance to meet our diocesan family for the newly-appointed Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster. And he wasn't disappointed.

More than 150 clergy and lay worshippers from across our churches (pictured above) had turned up – with less than 24 hours notice – to meet the man who will lead our diocese forward.

Bishop Christopher and his wife Sally had expected meet a dozen or so worshippers at midday prayers at the cathedral. The sight of so many well-wishers crowding into the nave was overwhelming.

He had insisted that an act of worship should be central to his tour of the diocese on the day he was unveiled as its new bishop. The day took him from St Matthew’s C of E Primary School in Blackmoor to Newport Minster – and the welcome he received everywhere was extraordinary.

For photos of the day and to see a video interview with Bishop Christopher, click here.

"It was an exciting day and we enjoyed our first taste of Portsmouth diocesan life, he said. "We were quite astonished at the level of enthusiasm and excitement, particularly at the number of people who came to pray with us at the cathedral; that was a wonderful surprise."

The day had started with an announcement at 7.30am and an immediate interview on BBC Radio Solent’s breakfast show.

His formal introduction to the local media came at 9.30am with a press conference at the top of Portsmouth’s Spinnaker Tower (pictured above).

Glorious sunshine and wonderful views across Portsdown Hill, Gosport, Portsmouth Harbour and the Isle of Wight greeted the media and bishop’s staff team as they gathered for interviews and photographs.

Bishop Christopher explained that he wouldn’t be coming into the job with a vision or blueprint for the future. He wanted to learn from us, and to discern with us what God is already doing – and what he might do next.

“I haven’t got a manifesto,” he said. “Being bishop involves discernment and waiting on God. In my first months, I’ll look forward to discovering more about the Church here, and listening to others before we discern the way forward. And it won’t be my way, but God’s way forward.

“All Christians should have some guiding characteristics, qualities that can be seen in individual’s lives and in the life of the Church. I’d like to identify four.

“Firstly, Christians are called to be compassionate in their caring for other people. Secondly, they are called to share in what God is doing already in the world in his mission and ministry.

“Third, Christians are called to encourage discipleship, to draw other people into the love of God. And fourthly, they stand for truth, for justice and for peace. I’d like to lead a Church with those qualities.”

He then headed to St Matthew’s C of E Primary School in Blackmoor. Pupils in Apple and Beech classes had prepared questions to ask him. Seven-year-old Anda Wright kicked things off with her query – “Who made God?” – and others asked similarly difficult questions about the nature of God and of the bishop’s Christian faith.

Bishop Christopher talked about faith as a journey, and recounted his visits as a 20-year-old to Nigeria and Ghana – the West African country our diocese is linked with. He also spoke of how central God is to his life.

“God means so much to me – I know he makes me who I am,” he told the children. “God loves me and saves me and heals me. God is the centre of my being.”

He met headteacher Jane Kent, the chairman of governors and vicar, the Rev Will Hughes and other staff and governors. The entire school then filled the playground to wave goodbye to the bishop and his wife.

His next appointment was the service at the cathedral, where clergy, Bishop’s Council members, lay worshippers, diocesan staff and members of the public had gathered to catch their first glimpse of the newly-appointed bishop. Bishop Christopher and Sally were able to personally greet many of those who had gathered before the short service of hymns, a reading and prayers.

And he completed his tour of the diocese with a visit to Newport Minster on the Isle of Wight. There he met the Lord Lieutenant, the High Sheriff, the chairman and leader of the Isle of Wight Council, as well as clergy and lay worshippers. Bishop Festus Yeboah-Asuamah, the Bishop of Sunyani, was also there to convey greetings from the Anglican Church in Ghana. 

The Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Major-General Martin White, said: “We’re so pleased to see you. I regard it as very significant that you’ve taken the trouble to come across to the Isle of Wight on the day you’re announced as our new bishop. We are part of your diocese and look forward to being so.”