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First female Bishop of Ely installed at service

Aimee DexterCambridgeshire
Diocese of Ely The Right Reverend Sarah Clark has white hair in a ponytail. She is wearing red and clear framed glasses and is taking her oath, reading from a red folder, which she is holding. She is wearing clerical clothing. Diocese of Ely
The Right Reverend Sarah Clark was installed at Ely Cathedral on Sunday

A special service has been held at Ely Cathedral to mark the installation of the first permanent female Bishop of Ely.

The election of the Right Reverend Sarah Clark was approved by King Charles III earlier this year. Clark becomes the 70th Bishop of Ely.

She was officially installed at the service on Sunday, marking the beginning of her public ministry within the Diocese of Ely.

"It was such a joy to mark in this very special way the start of a new season in our diocese as we look to the future together," said Clark.

She added: "I know that this is where I am meant to be and I look forward to all that the future holds.

"Thank you to everyone who made this such a memorable occasion."

Diocese of Ely The Right Reverend Sarah Clark has white hair in a ponytail. She is wearing red and clear framed glasses and clerical clothing. She is standing inside a cathedral. Diocese of Ely
Clark becomes the 70th Bishop of Ely

Clark will lead the Diocese of Ely which covers most of Cambridgeshire, the parts of Peterborough south of the River Nene, and also parts of west Norfolk and a small number of parishes in Essex and Bedfordshire.

She succeeded the Right Reverend Stephen Conway, who moved to become Bishop of Lincoln in July 2023.

The Right Reverend Dagmar Winter served as acting Bishop during the period in between.

Keith Heppel The Very Reverend Mark Bonney has short brown hair. He is wearing black framed glasses and a black and red cassock.Keith Heppel
The Very Reverend Mark Bonney is due to retire in July

The diocese added that the Very Reverend Mark Bonney, the Dean of Ely, is due to retire on 31 July. He has served as the spiritual and executive head of the cathedral since 2012.

His last day at the cathedral will be on 28 June.

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