New Southwell bishop to be installed

The Right Reverend Paul Butler studied at Nottingham University

Hundreds of people are expected to attend the installation service of the new Bishop of Southwell and Nottingham.

The Right Reverend Paul Butler, 53, takes over as the 11th holder of the office this weekend.

The bishop-in-waiting, who arrives from Southampton where he served as bishop, said "it is like coming home" as he spent his student days in Nottingham.

"It is exciting to be back," he said adding that he spent time here as a student from 1974-77.

"The Minister has always been one of my favourite cathedrals.

Every eye

"The feeling as you walk in is warm and welcoming and inviting. It has a sense of having been worshipped in and prayed in for years. When I was a student I came up here and valued it," the new bishop said.

He is the archbishop's advocate for children and comes from the evangelical wing of the church.

"I shall feel very nervous and know that every eye is on me but the whole diocese is welcoming me and I am saying I want to come and serve with you."

The new bishop will be the first to be enthroned since the Diocese of Southwell changed its name to the Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham at the end of 2005.

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Hundreds of people are expected to attend the installation service at Southwell Minster when the lastest bishop takes office