Enthronement

“Open to me the gates of righteousness; that I may
go into them and give thanks to the Lord”

These were the words our new Bishop Michael Lewis used as he struck three times on the cathedral door asking to be let in and become our chief pastor. It was a dramatic moment, opening the Enthronement service on 1st December 2007 in St Christopher’s Cathedral. Put more simply he was politely asking that we open the door and let him in, to take up his role of leading us as a Christian community to God. We did so with enthusiasm and relief as the long process of choosing a suitable person to fulfill that function was now at an end. A service worthy of the occasion followed at which were represented many facets of life here in Bahrain and across the Gulf as most of the chaplaincies were represented by their respective clergy. Bishop Azad Marshall, Bishop in Iran represented the other bishops of the Province who had already been present at the enthronement service the previous Saturday in Nicosia. The British Ambassadors of Bahrain and Kuwait were present to represent the wider diplomatic world as well as leaders of other Christian denominations and those representing the Islamic community among whom we live and work.

My thanks to all those who made this such a splendid and well organised occasion not least Ali and Angela, the young people who acted as stewards and ever present helpers, and to Alistair Auld and members of the Manama singers who led the music. The worship was worthy. The catering was superb. The photos are excellent. God is good! We have a bishop who is next due in Bahrain from 13th to 18th March.