THE Rev Ruth Worsley will be consecrated as Bishop of Taunton at a service in St Paul's Cathedral, London, on Tuesday (September 29).

The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Rev Justin Welby, will lead the ordination and consecration of the former Archdeacon of Wiltshire.

Then on Saturday (October 3), hundreds of well-wishers are expected at a service of welcome at Wells Cathedral at 10am.

The event will also include a reader licensing service.

The Ven John Reed, Archdeacon of Taunton and Diocesan Warden of Readers, said: "Nine new readers are to be licensed this year.

"The service will be unique in the fact that the newly consecrated Bishop of Taunton will be leading the service alongside our Diocesan Bishop, the Rt Revd Peter Hancock.

"This will be a wonderful affirmation of the ministry of all of our readers to whom we are grateful for the faithful and dedicated way they live out their vocation.

“It was thought by those who were tasked with the responsibility for creating the order of service for this occasion that it would be wonderful for our new Bishop to mark the beginning of her public ministry alongside those readers who also begin the public phase of their ministry.

"It will be a celebration of all ministries – lay and ordained - and of our working together to promote the kingdom values of God and the service of the church. What better way for Bishop Ruth to begin her ministry?”