THE first Bishop of Berwick in 444 years was consecrated by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, at York Minster on Tuesday.

The appointment of the Rt Rev. Mark Tanner follows the retirement at the end of September of former Riding Mill resident, the Rt Rev. Frank White, who had served as Assistant Bishop of Newcastle since 2010.

Bishop Mark will also take up the role of Assistant Bishop of Newcastle.

The former warden of Cranmer Hall and vice-principal of St John’s College, Durham University, Bishop Mark was presented to the Archbishop by the Bishop of Newcastle, the Rt Rev. Christine Hardman, and the Bishop of Durham, the Rt Rev. Paul Butler.

Dr Sentamu said: “Mark is a gifted theological educator, a nurturer of the gifting of
others, and a joyful and winsome witness to Jesus Christ.

“He and Bishop Christine will make a remarkable team in the Diocese of Newcastle.”

During the service, two gifts from the Newcastle Diocese were presented to Bishop Mark – a pastoral staff, the traditional bishop’s ‘crozier’ symbolising a shepherd’s care for a flock, made by the Rev. Steve Wilkinson, priest in charge of Humshaugh with Simonburn and Wark, and a pectoral cross based on the cross of St Cuthbert.

Bishop Mark said: “It is such a delight to be invited to serve the people, communities, and churches of the Diocese of Newcastle.

“For 444 years there has not been a Bishop of Berwick; the revival of the post is a wonderful sign of hope and life.”