A Town Crier will invite shoppers to “pull up a pew with the new Bishop of Shrewsbury” on Monday (2nd November). Mark Rylands will use his first day in his new role to listen to local people’s views on the Church, faith and other issues of concern.

Following Mark Rylands’ consecration at Westminster Abbey tomorrow (Wednesday), he will be installed as an Honorary Canon of Lichfield Cathedral on Sunday and welcomed to Shropshire at a civic service in Shrewsbury Abbey on Monday night.

Before the civic welcome the new bishop will press the flesh with local residents in Shrewsbury’s Town Centre.

Joined by other clergy from the Shrewsbury Episcopal Area, the new bishop will find a park bench and invite locals to “pull up a pew” and let him know their concerns, hopes and fears, as well as their views on the Church, faith and other local issues.

He said: “On Monday morning I will not be making any big pronouncements or pontificating on any issue. I’m a new bishop and although I have past connections with Shrewsbury and Shropshire, I have been away from the county for some time; so it is very important that I come with a listening ear. I am coming to listen to people’s concerns, their hopes and fears. The Church wants to be alongside, listening to and serving our communities as an important part of embodying the Good News of Jesus Christ.”

Local people who want to share their views with the new bishop should head for Market Square in Shrewsbury, from 11.00am until Midday; and listen out for the Town Crier.