A Worcester village church has broken with tradition with the appointment of its latest boy bishop – by giving the role to a girl.
Leaders at St John the Baptist Church in Claines changed the title of the role to junior bishop, following a Church of England ruling that there is no reason women should not be ordained as bishops.
This year, after 40 years of male appointments, they named 13-year-old Charlotte Jeavons as the 41st junior bishop of Claines.
The junior bishop took office on the feast of St Nicholas, December 6, and continues until Holy Innocents Day, December 28.
Charlotte has been leading prayers and services and preached at Claines on Christmas Day.
The River School pupil, who has attended the church all her life, said: “I was excited with the opportunity to be the first girl bishop and to take a more active role in the services, showing other children and my friends that church is interesting and to have the chance to promote the church and youth in a positive light, as well as providing a link between my school and the church.”
Having a junior bishop was one of the most widespread customs of the church in the Middle Ages and the tradition was re-established in 1971.
-Worcester News