Following her announcement as the next Bishop of Kensington, the Rt Revd Dr Emma Ineson visited parishes across the Kensington area, covering the London Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, Hounslow, Hammersmith & Fulham, and Richmond-upon-Thames.
The announcement was made whilst the Bishop-designate visited Bishop Wand School, a leading Church of England School in Sunbury-on-Thames, students from which played a role in deciding her appointment by judging sermons from a list of candidates. Bishop Emma was joined by the Bishop of London, The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE and the Archdeacon of Middlesex, The Ven Richard Frank, and was welcomed by students, together with Daniel Aldridge, Executive Head Teacher of Bishop Wand School.
Bishop Emma and the Archdeacon of Middlesex, Richard Frank, then travelled to Hope Church in Hounslow where they were welcomed by the Vicar, The Revd Claire Clarke, who runs a weekly foodbank for the most vulnerable in the local community. Bishop Emma arrived as the foodbank was getting underway, meeting the volunteers hard at work as well as talking to recipients and other guests. The church’s foodbank runs twice a week, providing individuals with parcels which include the basic essentials for an individual or family, and on this occasion guests were enjoying taking part in wreath making in the run up to Christmas.
The Bishop then went on to visit further parishes in the area including Holy Trinity Hounslow, St Clement Notting Dale, St Michael & All Angels Chiswick and St Stephen’s Gloucester Road to meet local leaders, local communities, congregations and participate in prayers and services.
The Revd Claire Clarke, Vicar of Hope Church Hounslow commented:
“It was a real joy to welcome Bishop Emma to our church whilst our foodbank was taking place. Our hard-working volunteers and guests from the local area were delighted to meet and chat with Bishop Emma, and we look forward to working with her closely as we collectively seek to serve the Hounslow communities.
“I would like to thank Bishop Emma for taking the time to visit our parish. Her commitment and desire to supporting local church communities across the area is something we are all grateful for, and I look forward to working with her further once she is in post in the new year.”
Photo credits Torin Douglas, Oliver Rudkin, Richard Frank.