Bishop vows to help people struggling in the recession

12:48pm Tuesday 13th January 2009

Comments (3)   Have your say »

The new Bishop of St Albans whose appointment was obscurely announced via a video clip hosting website this morning has promised to lend a comforting ear to those suffering at the hands of the country's current economic crisis.

Speaking to press and clergymen at St Albans Abbey today following the announcement of his appointment via YouTube, Rt Revd Dr Alan Smith, the tenth Bishop of St Albans, acknowledged some of the world's current crisis', paying particular attention to the country's impending recession and those who have been affected by it.

He said: "The recession is causing not only anxiety but in some cases real suffering," before adding that it is the duty of church leaders to lend an ear to those struggling in the uncertain climate.

He said: "There's the question of how we relate our faith to our work, especially in times like these when many people are anxious about the future.

"When I take up my new role in a few months time as Bishop of St Albans, my first priority will be to listen. To listen of course to those who are already working in the diocese, and who know it so much better than I do.

"But I will also want to listen to those community leaders of faith or of no faith who are as passionate about the communities we serve. I'll also want to listen to those who for whatever reason, feel their voices are not heard."

Bishop Alan, 51, grew up in rural wiltshire and has worked in the urban areas of Bradford, Walsall and Stoke-on-Trent before taking up his seven year post as Bishop of Shrewsbury.

He succeeded Rt revd Christopher Herbert who retired after 13 years of heading the St Albans disocese in November last year.