New Bishop of Sodor and Man enthroned

Right Reverend Patricia Hillas gave the sermon during the service in Cathedral Isle of Man

The 88th Bishop of Sodor and Man has been installed at an enthronement ceremony at Cathedral Isle of Man.

The Right Reverend Patricia Hillas has taken over from the Right Reverend Peter Eagles, who was in post from 2017 until his retirement in October last year.

The enthronement in Peel follows her consecration in York Minster by Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell last month.

The proceedings started with a short service at St German's Cathedral at Peel Castle, before the enthronement takes place at Cathedral Isle of Man from 14:00 GMT.

The proceedings began with a short service at St German's Cathedral on St Patrick's Isle

A short service will takes place at St German's Cathedral before the enthronement takes place

The ceremony included formal processions by representatives of Tynwald, Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer and diocesan and cathedral officials.

As is tradition, it began with the Bishop banging her staff on the closed cathedral doors before being invited in by the Dean, the Very Reverend Nigel Godfrey.

As part of the service, she was led to the throne in the cathedral and placed on it.

The proceedings in Peel also included music by the Cathedral choir, Caarhyn Cooidjagh and the Anglican Youth Fellowship Band from Uganda.

Part of the service involved the bishop knocking on the cathedral doors

The enthronement took place at Cathedral Isle of Man in Peel

Sodor and Man is the smallest diocese in the Church of England, overseeing 45 churches and 27 parishes.

Born in 1966 in Kuala Lumpur to an Indian mother and British father, Bishop Hillas moved to the UK with her family in 1971.

She was ordained in 2002, after a career in youth and social work specialising in supporting people with HIV and AIDS.

She has previously been Archdeacon and Canon of Westminster as well as Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons.

The island's bishop is a unique position as the post holder has a seat in the Legislative Council and has the right to vote in Tynwald.

A bill that would remove that right is currently being considered by a committee of three MLC as it continues its passage through the upper chamber of the Manx parliament.

That follows its progression through the House of Keys.