Fiona Gibson, Bishop of Taunton designate, received a very warm welcome on Wednesday, 22 October when she visited churches and schools across our diocese.
After Downing Street made the announcement at 10am, Bishop Michael shared the news with the clergy, church volunteer and members of the rural community who joined him and Fiona at St Andrew’s, Wiveliscombe.
Attendees were invited to ask Fiona questions. One came from the young daughter of Revds Michelle and Philip Butcher from Minehead, who asked, “Is God real?" Afterwards, Fiona, who is currently an Archdeacon in the Diocese of Hereford, the most rural of all 42 Church of England dioceses, took time to speak to those gathered who serve in rural parts of Bath and Wells.
After speaking to various local media outlets, including BBC Points West, Fiona moved on to Taunton where she answered further questions from students at Pyrland’s Church of England Secondary School. The students were particular interested in Fiona’s “inspiring” journey to becoming a bishop, asked what she hopes to do for their community. Fiona had a tour of the school, popping into an RE lesson, and then met the Chaplaincy team: Chaplain Alison Vercoe, pastors, Marcus, Elaine, Brian, Pete, Adrian, Jenny, Marilyn and Hannah, Revd Dean Hallett a local curate who offers pastoral support one day a week, and Kelly Jones, director for Taunton Youth for Christ. She then went on to meet with Headteacher Mark Lawrence, and staff members.
Next stop was Without Borders, the social enterprise café and gallery, recently opened by the Christian charity CHARIS, in the centre of the Taunton. The cafe employs refugees and offers work experience to asylum seekers. Here, Fiona met representatives from CHARIS, Taunton Welcomes Refugees and staff at the cafe.
After enjoying some of the delicious cakes made to recipes from the employees and volunteers home countries, including Iran and Afghanistan, Fiona was given a tour of the gallery by Anti Etesami, who came to the UK, from Iran, three years ago. Anti showed Fiona some of the artwork on display, including an installation she created called Voyage of Hope and Light, which was previously on show in Bath Abbey. Anti says about the boat installation, “This doesn’t just reflect refugees and asylum seekers. All of us are looking for a safe place. God is love, and God is that place.”
From Taunton, Fiona moved on to St John the Baptist Church, Glastonbury where she was welcomed by new incumbent, Alice Watson, and members of the church community, who helped manage the church through their period of vacancy. She then took a walk down Glastonbury High Street to St Benedict’s Church of England Primary School. Pupils at the school gave Fiona a rousing welcome at their assembly. They then asked her a lots of questions including; ‘What do you think heaven looks like?’ ‘If you could ask God one question, what would it be?’, ‘What’s your greatest achievement?’ and ‘Which football team do you support?’
Then it was on to Flourish House to meet members of the Support Services teams before attending Evening Prayer at Wells Cathedral. We continue to pray for Fiona, and her family as she prepares to become the next Bishop of Taunton.
You can find more photographs from the day on our Facebook album.