A RETIRED bishop who grew up in Dorchester will work with the Diocese of Salisbury to develop its prayer life.

The Rt Revd Michael Perham, who attended The Thomas Hardye School and was Bishop of Gloucester for 10 years, has been commissioned as an assistant bishop in the Diocese.

Bishop Michael, who lives in Somerset, is recognised as one of the Church of England’s leading experts on liturgy, worship and prayer.

He was commissioned at a ceremony in Church House, Salisbury, last week.

The Rt Reverend Nicholas Holtam, Bishop of Salisbury, said Bishop Michael would be working alongside a range of people.

He said: “I am so gratified we have managed to secure the services of someone so distinguished with so much to give to our life as a Diocese.

“Our vision for the Diocese is Renewing Hope: Pray, Serve, Grow.

“I have asked Bishop Michael to take a lead on the ‘pray’ aspect of this.

“This incorporates all aspects of spirituality, liturgy and worship including spiritual direction; quiet days, retreats and pilgrimages; learning and training opportunities; Diocesan Lent and other courses; and provision of liturgical resources.

“Bishop Michael will be working with a range of people, lay and ordained, who can contribute to this work and thinking.

“He will initially be giving us 30 days of his time per year for three years.”

Commenting on his commission, the Rt Revd Michael Perham said: “I am delighted to be able to contribute to the life of a Diocese in which I grew up and where I later served as Team Rector of St George’s, Oakdale in Poole.

“Prayer and worship have always been central to my ministry and I look forward to working with others to deepen the prayer life of churches and people across Dorset and Wiltshire.”

The Diocese of Salisbury has 19 deaneries, each of which fall under one of four Archdeaconries. This includes Sarum, Wilts, Sherborne and Dorset. For more information, please visit salisbury.anglican.org

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