Bishop of Norwich joins the House of Lords 

Norfolk has a new member of the House of Lords after the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher was introduced as a Lords Spiritual in a short ceremony earlier this week.

Bishop Graham joins the Archbishops of Canterbury and York as well as 23 other Church of England Bishops who currently sit in the Lords and together form the Lords Spiritual.
He was introduced in a short ceremony on Thursday October 26 and was sponsored by the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, and the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Rev Christopher Chessun. It involved him swearing an Oath of Allegiance to the Crown. 

You can watch Bishop Graham’s introduction to the House of Lords by clicking here.
 
Bishop Graham said: “It is an immense privilege to have the opportunity to serve in the House of Lords. My desire is to always be mindful of the wellbeing of others, fostering stronger and flourishing communities here and abroad, whilst living more sustainably on our single-island planet home. At a time of many threats, including war, terrorism, disease, inequality, climate change and biodiversity loss, we need to foster a common purpose as we seek to mend the world.
 
“My Christian faith inspires me in that quest, creating space to listen to the voices of those from other faith communities, in our shared calling for a more peaceable and equitable future. I am continually inspired by the richness of life across Norfolk and Waveney, and I will seek every opportunity to champion those who live and work within the area covered by the Diocese of Norwich.”
 
Afterward on X (Twitter) Bishop Graham said: “A huge privilege and thank you to all who made me welcome. Despite the paucity of what I offer, I pray that the Christian faith will daily inspire me with wisdom as we face many threats and opportunities, and seek a more peaceable, equitable and creation valuing nation and world.
 
Pictured above is Bishop Graham Usher (centre) with his sponsors, the Bishop of London, the Rt Rev Dame Sarah Mullally, and the Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Rev Christopher Chessun. Picture courtesy of Church of England in Parliament.