Mormon church's new bishop would 'like to be an example' (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints welcomes new bishop Charles Farnsworth

5:01pm Thursday 21st March 2013 in News By Zoe Forsey, Senior Reporter

St Albans’ Mormon church has welcomed a new bishop to its ranks.

Charles Farnsworth has been appointed the new bishop at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Ridgmond Road.

The 38-year-old moved to the district from Chicago with his wife Joyce and their three daughters a year and a half ago, and they have been part of the church ever since.

He said: "The call to serve as bishop caught me off guard. It was a little surprising.

"All of the bishops I have known have been people I have really looked up to.

"I don’t consider myself in that same class."

As the church has no professional clergy, Mr Farnsworth will continue his job as a solicitor in London alongside his new responsibilities.

He took on the role at the end of February to replace the former bishop Ian Miller, and says that he is now settling into the role.

He said: "I feel like a small person with a lot of responsibility but I feel like I’m growing quickly.

"A lot of the people are older and wiser than me and I look up to them. It seems a little strange that I am leading them.

"I hope that people can see me as an example of living Christian values. I’d like to be an example.

"I absolutely want to serve those around me. I hope that people can feel my love for them."

The church’s congregation covers St Albans, Harpenden, Hatfield and Borehamwood.