In a momentous occasion for the Free Church of England, the ordinations of the Right Revd Dr Mark Gretason and the Right Revd Matthew Firth as Bishops took place on Saturday, 26th July at Christ Church, Liscard. The event marked a significant milestone in the history of the denomination and was attended by clergy and dignitaries from around the world.
Presiding over the service was the Bishop Primus, the Right Revd Dr Paul Hunt, who was joined by a number of international bishops. Among them were Archbishop John Sathiyakumar from the Anglican Church in India, Bishop John Boonzaaijer of the Reformed Episcopal Church (USA), Bishop Gerhard Meyer of REC Germany, and Bishop Richard Fenwick, retired Bishop from the Anglican Church of Southern Africa.
The service was well attended by invited guests and a large congregation from across the UK, including many clergy and members from both the Northern and Southern Dioceses of the Free Church of England. The church was filled with joyful worship and a strong sense of fellowship, marking the importance of the occasion.
Christ Church, Liscard, played a central role in hosting the day’s events. The church was beautifully prepared for the service, and a generous buffet was provided for the many attendees.
The preacher for the occasion was the Revd Paul Rochester, General Secretary of the Free Churches Group, who delivered a powerful and encouraging message.
As Bishops Matthew Firth and Mark Gretason begin this new chapter in their ministry, members of the church are encouraged to uphold them in prayer as they take on the responsibilities of episcopal leadership in the Church of God.
