Canon Graham Usher will officially become the next Bishop of Dudley, in a special service in St. Paul’s Cathedral on Tuesday, March 25.

He will be ordained and consecrated as a bishop by the Archbishop of Canterbury and as Bishop of Dudley will become Assistant Bishop to the Bishop of Worcester.

His ministry will cover Worcestershire and Dudley.

The Archbishop will explain the role of a bishop as one who is called to serve and care for the flock of Christ, to nurture God’s people in the life of the Spirit and lead them in the way of holiness and to proclaim the gospel boldly, confront injustice and work for righteousness and peace in all the world.

He will also be asked if he is ready to devote himself to this new ministry.

Bishop Graham said: “I’m really looking forward, though with some degree of apprehension, to the Ordination and Consecration service in St Paul’s Cathedral.

"I’m humbled that so many people want to be there or have assured me of their prayers.

“The day has involved so many different people in its planning, for which I’m most grateful, and I’m delighted that close friends will be joining the Archbishop of Canterbury and the other bishops in taking part in the service.

"A particular joy will be having music representing many different strands from my Christian journey.

“Whilst such occasions do have a tendency to focus on an individual, the service is a celebration of the many different gifts that the Church gives and receives, and as such will encourage us all as we seek to follow Jesus and serve our neighbour."

Bishop Graham will be formally welcomed to the Diocese of Worcester on Saturday, May 3 at a service at Top Church, Dudley at 4pm.

The following day he will be installed in Worcester Cathedral at Evensong at 4pm.

His ministry in the Diocese, working alongside the Bishop of Worcester, will begin after these services.