New Bishop of Bangor to be formally installed this weekend

Bishop Manon Ceridwen James will begin her public ministry at Bangor Cathedral on Saturday, September 19, during a special service that will formally mark the start of her leadership in the diocese.

She was consecrated as bishop at Newport Cathedral on Saturday, September 12, in a ceremony that included the presentation of a specially commissioned episcopal ring and pectoral cross, rich with personal and historical meaning.

Bishop James said: "When thinking about the design of my ring and cross, it was important to me that they included symbols from the diocese.

"As I’m from Nefyn, Rhiannon found an ancient cross from between Nefyn and Pistyll which she used in the design."

The cross, believed to date from the seventh to ninth centuries, features in the design of both her ring and the reverse of her pectoral cross.

Both items were created by renowned Welsh jeweller Rhiannon Evans of Rhiannon Jewellery, as part of her final commissions before retirement.

Bishop James requested that the pieces be made using silver and gold and incorporate symbols from the Diocese of Bangor that reflect her faith and personal journey.

A first-language Welsh speaker, Bishop James hails from Nefyn on the Llŷn Peninsula.

She was ordained as a deacon at Bangor Cathedral in 1994 and became one of the first women to be ordained priest in the diocese in 1997.

The designs also feature Celtic knotwork inspired by crosses on Ynys Enlli, representing the Trinity.

At the centre of her pectoral cross is a round lapis lazuli stone.

Bishop James said: "I wanted a round stone which is lapis lazuli, which often symbolises God’s presence in the Bible.

"A round stone for me stands for equality and how we all serve and minister to one another."

Rhiannon Evans said she felt privileged to create the pieces for what is likely her final commission before retirement.

She said: "I always feel privileged to make religious, spiritual pieces."

Bishop James has served as a parish priest in the dioceses of Bangor and St Asaph, and held diocesan roles in training, education, and vocations.

She most recently served as Dean of Bangor Cathedral, having previously been Dean for Initial Ministerial Training at St Padarn’s Institute.

The installation service at Bangor Cathedral is by invitation only due to limited space.