Bishop enters House of Lords
Bishop Christopher has become the newest member of the House of Lords
Bishop Christopher is introduced to the House of Lords
He became one of 26 Church of England bishops in the House of Lords when he was introduced on February 6. The two Archbishops and Bishops of London, Durham and Winchester are automatic members. The other 21 are those who have been serving the longest as diocesan bishops.
Bishop Christopher was the second new "Lord Spiritual" to enter the house that week - the Bishop of Peterborough was introduced to the House of Lords on February 4.
His predecessor as Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Kenneth Stevenson, was a member of the House of Lords from 1999 until he retired in 2009.
Bishop Christopher said: "Though I do not intend this significantly to change my pattern of ministry, it will give me opportunity and obligation to speak from time to time on matters of national, regional and local concern from a Christian perspective.
"I hope to use my experience of serving the people of this diocese to inform my contributions. In the last couple of weeks, for instance, I have seen the challenges for schools on the Isle of Wight, been involved in conversations about job opportunities in Portsmouth, and at the weekend visited some of those affected by flooding in Hambledon.
"There will be times, too, for some less public conversation and ministry in parliament. This privilege and responsibility is daunting and I value your prayers, please.
"It is for each individual bishop to decide the level of time commitment they are willing and able to give to this role in the House of Lords, and it has been described as a full-time House with part-time membership. I want to reassure you that I intend to remain first and foremost Bishop of Portsmouth. I am grateful for the support of clergy and colleagues, and look forward to continuing to serve the people, congregations and clergy of this diocese as my priority for many years."