Local MP Steve Brine attended the Institution of The Revd. Simon Cansdale as the new Vicar of Christ Church in Winchester.
The special event, presided over by the Bishop of Winchester, was packed with members of the congregation and guests from across the community and Diocese.
Simon and his family move from St Mary’s in Chesham and take up his Ministry with immediate effect.
Steve spoke briefly at the service to welcome the new Vicar on behalf of his constituents, many whom attend Christ Church.
The service, also attended by The Right Rev David Williams, Bishop of Basingstoke and a former Vicar at Christ Church himself, included a sermon from Bishop Tim Dakin.
Steve says: “As I said during the service, I love these events because they are so personal and such a marriage between the incoming Vicar and a new church family.
“I asked Simon to pray that we in Winchester, and his new congregation in particular, try to revive the lost art of listening to hear not just listening to respond.
“I wish him every success in his new role and look forward to getting to know him. He’s clearly a big personality and that’s important to manage a large organisation such as Christ Church.”
