New bishop 'delighted' on first day in job

Bishop Harrison said it felt "significant" that he was starting his ministry on St Petroc’s Day

New Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Dr Mike Harrison, has said he is looking forward to working with the "amazing churches and their communities" in the diocese.

Bishop Harrison, the Suffragan Bishop of Dunwich in the Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich, succeeds the Right Reverend Robert Atwell, who retired last September.

Bishop Harrison said: "I am delighted, excited, and honoured to become the bishop of Exeter."

He also said it felt "significant" that he was starting his ministry on St Petroc’s Day, also known as Devon Day.

Bishop Harrison began the day at St Martin’s Cof E Primary School in Cranbrook

"Devon holds a special place in my heart and I’m looking forward to working with its amazing churches and their communities to share the gospel message of hope, joy and wonder that is the faith we have in Jesus Christ to transform lives and restore broken situations," he said.

"This county has a wonderful mix of rural, coastal, and urban areas, not dissimilar to Suffolk where I presently minister, and I am looking forward to flying St Petroc’s flag for Devon and joining with the people in God’s mission here."

'Long-standing connections'

Bishop Mike will be the 72nd Bishop of Exeter, with care for 489 parishes across Devon.

He begin the day at St Martin’s Cof E Primary School in Cranbrook, before travelling to Ten Acres vineyard and campsite in Winkleigh, the Unleashed Christian Theatre project in Torquay, Exeter Cathedral and Plymouth.

The bishop is married to Rachel, an occupational therapist, and they have four adult children.

He was born in Bolton and is a passionate supporter of Bolton Wanderers football team, as well as being a beekeeper, keen cake baker and a fan of live comedy.

He said: "I have long-standing connections with Devon – we used to holiday in North Devon every year as a child, I courted my future wife in Exeter when she was a student at St Loyes College, and I discerned a vocation to the ordained ministry while worshipping at Exeter Cathedral and a local church."