The Rt Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey was formally installed as the Eleventh Bishop of St Albans at a joyful and historic service in St Albans Cathedral on Saturday 19 September 2026.
The service began at the Cathedral's West Door with one of the day's most striking and symbolic moments. Bishop Andrew struck the Cathedral door three times with the pastoral staff he had used in his previous ministry as Bishop of Ramsbury, seeking entry. As the doors were opened, he was welcomed by representatives of communities from across the Diocese.
Bishop Andrew was asked why he had come to St Albans. He replied: "I am here to serve you as your Bishop and pastor, to proclaim the love of Christ, to worship Christ with you, and to encourage you in following Christ, that together we may flourish."
The service continued with a formal welcome from the Dean and Chapter and culminated in the central act of installation, when Bishop Andrew was placed in the cathedra, the Bishop's chair, by the Archdeacon of Canterbury representing the Archbishop of Canterbury. The cathedra is the historic symbol of a Bishop's ministry as teacher of the faith and leader of the Christian community, and of the Diocese.
In her welcome, The Very Revd Jo Kelly-Moore, Dean of St Albans, described the occasion as "a day of great joy" for the Cathedral and Diocese, reaffirming the Cathedral's commitment to support the new Bishop in his ministry.
In his inaugural sermon, Bishop Andrew reflected on faith, hope and growth, drawing on the biblical image of seeds and fertile soil. He spoke of the resilience of local churches and communities and of his desire to work alongside people across the Diocese in service of Christ.
The service concluded with prayers from across the Diocese, the presentation of the diocesan crosier, and Bishop Andrew's first blessing of the city and Diocese of St Albans.
Guests gathered afterwards for refreshments and further celebrations as the Diocese marked the beginning of Bishop Andrew's ministry.
The installation of a Church of England Bishop is the culmination of a long process of consultation, nomination and election. It marked a new chapter in the life of the Diocese as people sought God's blessing on Bishop Andrew's ministry.
Bishop Andrew Rumsey (R) greeted by Bishop Rob Wickham (L), CEO of the Church Urban Fund, and Anderson Jeremiah (Centre), Bishop of Edmonton
