On Thursday 25 April, the Rt Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah was consecrated as the new Bishop of Edmonton at Canterbury Cathedral, at a service led by the Archbishop of Canterbury.
The consecration service was attended by hundreds of family, friends, colleagues and supporters – including the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, the Bishop of London – praying for and supporting Bishop Anderson in his ministry.
The service was followed by multiple receptions including at Old Palace, hosted by the Archbishop of Canterbury and Kentish Barn, where all members of the congregation were invited to join the Bishop of Edmonton in celebration.
Bishop Anderson was formally introduced as the next Bishop of Edmonton in December during a visit to a number of churches within Edmonton including St Barnabas Finchley, St Francis at the Engine Room, St Aldhelm and Old St Pancras Church, one of the oldest sites of Christian worship in the Capital.
Anderson grew up in Tamil Nadu, the southernmost state in India, as a Dalit Christian. He is the first Dalit, and the first clergyperson ordained in the Church of Southern India (CSI), to be appointed Bishop in the Church of England. He has lived across five Anglican provinces and served across rural to urban contexts and amongst deprived and affluent communities.
He will also take on the responsibility for the racial justice portfolio in the London College of Bishops, drawing on his experience of exclusion and discrimination and the advisory positions he has previously held in the Church of England. This included being asked by the Archbishops of York and Canterbury to play a role in the Anti-Racism Taskforce, which preceded the Racial Justice Unit, as well as being the first Bishop’s Adviser for Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Affairs in the Diocese of Blackburn, which now has a number of priests from the South Asian community, including representation on the Bishop’s Council.
Bishop Anderson succeeds the Rt Revd Rob Wickham as Bishop of Edmonton, who stepped down last August to become Chief Executive of the Church Urban Fund. Bishop Anderson’s welcome and installation services will be taking place later this spring.
The Rt Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Bishop of Edmonton, said:
“Surrounded by devoted family, friends, colleagues and a community united by faith, today’s consecration service was a moment of profound gratitude for me.
“I look forward to embarking on this new chapter of service to the people of God in Edmonton, continuing to build its vibrant and diverse communities with faith, unity and love.”
The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, commented:
“Today’s service was one of celebration and happiness, as we formally embraced Bishop Anderson and his family into the Diocese of London.
“I am confident Anderson’s wisdom, love and commitment will resonate with communities across Edmonton, and I look forward to seeing him lead and inspire us all within the Church in London as he continues along God’s path.”
