Bishop's woe at Beckham's move

Dickon Hooper
BBC News Online, Bristol

As a keen Manchester United fan, the new Bishop of Bristol says he is "sad" David Beckham is leaving for Real Madrid.

The Bishop of Bristol It is part of the Church's role to act as a conscience... where there is a need for public debate Bishop Michael

In a comfortable office in one of the plusher parts of the city, the Rt Reverend Michael Hill, or Bishop Mike as he likes to be known, says he has spent much of his time since his ordination talking to the media.

With the row over the appointment of a gay bishop in the news, and mis-interpreted comments he made about Harry Potter, the new appointee has been busy.

But the bishop has no qualms revealing his passion for football: "I think it is sad Beckham is leaving. I know it is good business, but he has shown himself to be a good role model, committed to his family.

"The English game needed that - and his free kicks."

The 55th Bishop of Bristol, Bishop Mike, 54, says he was humbled to be appointed.

"I think the Church is alive and well in the diocese.

'More biblically conservative'

"But I would not want to be complacent. The Church faces a particular set of challenges about how to be a Christian in the 21st Century.

"A bishop's role is to network with the wider world and I want to give myself to the mission of the Church and build a credible and authentic Christian community in this diocese."

His appointment has been overshadowed by that of a gay Bishop of Reading, with different prelates condemning and defending the decision.

Although father-of-five bishop Mike describes himself as "biblically more conservative than some of my colleagues", he is concerned about the visible division within the ranks.

"The cause of the kingdom of God is not helped by statements by one group, followed by retaliatory statements from another."

He insists there is no animosity among the bishops, but acknowledges one reason for the tension is the changing nature of the flock.

"There is strong feeling amongst the African and Latin American Bishops on this issue."

I did mention Harry Potter as an aside, but in the general realm of commercially exploiting children, the marketing of his books is low on the scale Bishop Michael

"The worldwide growth of Christianity is not in the West, but in the southern hemisphere. It would be arrogant to say that we have nothing to learn from them.

"There is an enthusiasm and life about a lot of non-western Christianity that we could learn from."

But he also believes the scrutiny the Church has been subjected to on this issue, should be turned around when necessary.

"It is part of the Church's role to act as a conscience. If that means entering into dialogue with the government, then I think that is fine where there is a need for public debate."

Harry Potter

Closer to home, the bishop laughs at allegations of anti-Pottermania, after he mentioned the boy wizard in conjunction with comments on the commercial exploitation of children.

"I did mention Harry Potter as an aside, but in the general realm of commercially exploiting children, the marketing of his books is low on the scale.

"I am more concerned about the material targeted at girls in their early teens and clothing companies trying to make five-year-old girls look like adults."

Which brings us back to Beckham, and his role model as a family man - and fashion icon.