“First, in this forest, let us do those ends that here were well begun”
Sunday evening brings the final service for Bishop Michael at Lichfield Cathedral, marking the conclusion of his tenure as the ninety-ninth bishop of the see.
The cathedra at Lichfield is currently vacant.
Throughout his time in the diocese, Bishop Michael maintained a consistent presence across the region. For us at Soulton Hall, navigating the complex religious layers of our heritage is never simple, carrying as it does a profound responsibility to handle history with openness and humility. Doing so alongside a bishop and a diocesan team who offered robust pastoral support, restraint, and care made a demanding journey manageable.
This evening marks a natural opportunity to extend sincere thanks for that steadfast support through these endevours. Much of the shared history centers on the Erkenwald and Lost St. Paul’s altar questions.
What began quietly in private discussions years ago evolved into formal dialogue by 2022 and a leading role in the conference held locally in the spring of 2023. Later, the work moved into meetings at the House of Lords, kindly convened by Lord Newby, maintaining an ecumenical and collaborative spirit. It was a notable stroke of fortune that a bishop already deeply versed in mathematics and reconciliation work and the questions surrounding the history of St. Chad was serving in Lichfield when these matters landed on the desk.
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- Icon of Chad at Lichfield
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- Relic of Chad returned to Lichfiled Cathedral in the time of Bishop Ipgrave
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- Sttue of Chad at Lichfield
Resolving historical questions required deep thought and willingness to be vulnerable from all involved, proving that institutional reconciliation demands courage and staying power.
Beyond local matters, the wider contributions to public life—touching on ecumenical reconciliation and crossing divides—form a central part of this episcopate, as highlighted by a retiring speech in the House of Lords that echoed familiar themes. As the see now stands vacant, the conclusion of this chapter is met with appreciation for an open-hearted leader who helped steer complex questions toward resolution.
As the see now stands vacant, the conclusion of this chapter is met with appreciation for an open-hearted leader who helped steer complex questions toward resolution.
The commissioning of a new Bishops Pectoral Cross with a garent stone dentre at Lichfield Cathedral represents a deeply symbolic bridge between the modern diocese and its ancient Anglo-Saxon roots.
As a physical symbol of the diocese and the historical Kingdom of Mercia, the retiring bishop presented an official gift to the diocese for all future holders of the office to carry, ensuring they are reminded of the ancient roots of their position. This piece is modeled after a genuine artifact from the Staffordshire Hoard—specifically, a seventh-century pectoral cross featuring four equal arms decorated with complex scrollwork and anchored by a central garnet cabochon.
We wish Bishop Michael every blessing in retirement, while also offering a warm welcome to whoever steps into his shoes and those of Chad.
