This is a text-only version of an article first published on Thursday, 7 July 2016. Information shown on this page may no longer be current.
The new Bishop-elect of Oxford, the Rt Revd Dr Steven Croft, is a step closer taking up his office after a legal ceremony at Lambeth Palace chapel this week. The ceremony saw the formal proceedings to "confirm his election" by the Dean and Chapter of Christ Church.
It was followed by a drinks reception for a small number of family, friends and colleagues from the Dioceses of Sheffield and Oxford. The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, drew attention to recent dramatic political events.
"A ship sailing into a storm knows nothing of the waves that are coming, or of the sudden squalls ahead," he said."We know the light of Christ is never snuffed out.
My prayer for you is that you constantly carry in your heart and mind the light of Christ."Archbishop Justin then read his charge to Bishop Steven, which sets out the way he is being called to lead the Diocese. Bishop Steven's farewell service in Sheffield takes place later in July.
After a holiday, he will move to Oxford in time to take up office in September.
The formal inauguration of his ministry takes place in the Cathedral on 30 September, followed by services of welcome in each of the three episcopal areas. Read the Archbishop's Charge to Bishop Steven July 2016 . Read Bishop Steven's letter to the diocese .