The licensing of The Revd Paul Betts as Interim Bishop’s Chaplain recently took place during morning prayer in the Chapel at Bishop’s Lodge.
Close colleagues gathered for the service, in which Bishop Martyn welcomed Paul into the Bishops’ Office team.
Those present prayed for God to bless Paul’s ministry across the Diocese of Leicester and equip him with the gifts he needs to serve God and His people with faithfulness, understanding and integrity.
Paul, who is curate in the Wigston Benefice, will be providing cover for The Revd James Pickersgill, Bishop’s Chaplain, during his sabbatical in July, August, and September this year.
Speaking about his new interim role, Paul says he feels grateful for the opportunity to experience this different kind of ministry, which will add another element to his curacy, and offer him vital insights, new learning and development.
He says: “I'm looking forward to serving the role well and supporting the ministry of both Bishop Martyn and Bishop Saju - administratively, liturgically, pastorally, and spiritually.
“I’m also looking forward to working alongside my colleagues at Bishop's Lodge and across the wider diocese, and I'll certainly be drawing on the experience and expertise of others.
“It's a chance to build and strengthen relationships, too – which is vital as we seek to further discern God's purposes for our lives and work, in our time and place.”
Paul believes the role will offer a deeper sense of how mission and ministry works as a whole across the diocese and wider, in its many aspects and expressions, while giving him greater appreciation of the work of ministry at the centre.
He says: “I hope to learn and develop during my time in the role. All this will inform, and I'm sure help determine, wherever God calls me to be.”