The installation service for the 10th Bishop of Birmingham, The Rt. Revd Dr Michael Volland will take place at Birmingham Cathedral on Saturday, 2 March 2024.
The service will start at 15:30, with in-person attendance by invitation and a live stream of the service will also be provided.
This service marks the beginning of Bishop Michael’s public ministry in CofE Birmingham and is the first time he will preach at a service in the cathedral as Bishop of Birmingham. Further details about the service will be announced in the New Year.
The Dean of Birmingham, The Very Revd Matt Thompson, said: “The installation service celebrates the start of an exciting new season for Bishop Michael personally, for communities across The Church of England Birmingham and for our cathedral community. As the seat of the Bishop, we look forward to supporting and praying for Bishop Michael as he starts his ministry in Birmingham. We would encourage all who can to join us online for this special occasion and for our community to continue to pray for Bishop Michael and his family over the next few months.”
Bishop Michael’s Consecration
During his Consecration, which took place at Canterbury Cathedral on Thursday, 30 November, Bishop Michael was presented with his pectoral cross and episcopal ring, both of which were created by local jeweller and close friend of the cathedral, Ed Pitt.
The ring incorporates a piece of Iona marble as a central stone. The edges of the cross are engraved with the words of Jesus, as found in the Bible verses Nehemiah 8:10 and John 10:14-15.
Photo: Bishop Michael’s episcopal ring, designed by Ed Pitt.
“Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10
“I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep, and my sheep know me— just as the Father knows me and I know the Father—and I lay down my life for the sheep.”
John 10:14-15
Photo: Bishop Michael at his Consecration, wearing his pectoral cross and episcopal ring and carrying his pastoral crosier.
Bishop Michael’s pastoral crosier is inscribed with:
“I am among you as one who serves,”
Luke 22:27
This is a reminder of the example of Christ’s ministry. The crosier is a symbol of the Bishop’s office, representing his pastoral care of the diocese. The unusual distinctive sections of blue resin in Bishops Michael’s crosier, represent his training as an artist and his love of surfing, which he sees as “creative acts that originate in God the creator.”
Members of Birmingham Cathedral’s Clergy and Chapter at Bishop Michael’s Consecration – Nov 2023.
