New Bishop aware of Devon's 'challenges'

Moira Astin said she looks forward to "praying with and encouraging" people in Devon

The Church of England's new Bishop of Crediton, The Venerable Moira Astin has said she is aware of the "challenges" facing people in Devon.

Ms Astin, from Surrey, is currently the Archdeacon of Reigate in the Southwark Diocese.

She will take over the role from the Right Reverend Jackie Searle who announced her retirement after holding the position since 2018.

She will be made Bishop of Crediton at a ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral next month, and said she was looking forward to "praying with and encouraging" people in the county.

'Tough times'

Ms Astin said: "Devon is such a beautiful place and yet as all places, it has its own challenges. As I've been driving around in the past week, I've seen signs about trying to get rid of the family farm tax.

"I've visited Ilfracombe and seen some of the challenges of a seaside town, some of the poverty that we have there.

"The church is rightly at the heart of this. Providing support, being there for people in the tough times, and most of all, speaking of the love of God.

"That even when life is difficult, God is still there and still caring."

'Amazing geology'

Ms Astin studied Geology at Clare College, Cambridge, before turning her sights to church ministry.

"[I am excited] to again see the amazing geology of some areas of North Devon, like the Hartland Peninsula and the Valley of the Rocks, near Lynton.

"And to discovering the places where our British Christian forebears worshipped." she said.

As part of the Diocese of Exeter, the Bishop of Crediton serves the whole of Devon but with a stronger emphasis on North Devon, Mid Devon and East Devon.

There will also be a service of welcome for the bishop-designate on Sunday 6 July at Exeter Cathedral.