THE Bishop of Blackburn-elect Julian Henderson has moved into his new home near Ribchester prior to his consecration in October.

The 59-year-old and his wife Heather are now planning for his first few months in post as head of Lancashire’s Anglicans.

The former Archdeacon of Dorking in Surrey will be consecrated as Bishop by the Archbishop of York John Sentamu at York Minster on October 10, before his inauguration at Blackburn Cathedral nine days later.

In the meantime he is worshipping at Salesbury Parish Church near his new home as well as praying and reflecting in its private chapel.

Then he will go on a long-planned holiday before stepping up his preparation for his new role by meeting senior staff and clergy and getting up to speed on key issues in the diocese.

At the beginning of October, the Bishop-elect will go on a retreat for prayer and meditation to prepare himself spiritually for his consecration.

Rev Henderson said: “Heather and I have already got a bit of a feel of the wonderful diversity of the county of Lancashire, but look forward to discovering much more now we have moved. Taking on this very senior role is a massive privilege.

“The support of my wife and children Susannah and Jamie is really important.

“They share with me the sense that this is God's call to us at this time and we must go where He sends and calls.

“I was ordained when I was 24 and have served in four different roles over the past 34 years. It has been a very exciting journey.

“My chief priority as Bishop is to share the story of what God has done for all people and call them to take Him seriously in their lives.

“I will want to encourage the many Christian communities around the diocese to engage in that outward-looking task. Having said that, I believe a Bishop is called to be a pastor, a prayer, a teacher, a representative, and a leader.”

Between his consecration and installation the new Bishop will travel round Lancashire to pray for the region he will represent.

Between mid-October and the end of the year, he will spend a day in each of the 14 ‘Deanery’ areas of Lancashire, meeting people in local parishes.

In 2014, he will spend several further fact-finding days in each Deanery, meeting local clergy.