THE new Bishop of Ramsbury, Edward Condry, preached a sermon at Salisbury Cathedral as he began his public ministry on Sunday, September 23.

He was welcomed by the Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Sarah Troughton and the Diocesan secretary, Lucinda Herklots.

Speaking during Evensong, he referred to the “physically punishing and spiritually rewarding” challenges he faced during a number of trips, drawing parallels between cycling, pilgrimage and the Christian life.

He recalled times when he was ready to give in but had persisted, saying that Christians should not see their calling as simply one of enjoyment: “The disciples took tough decisions to follow Jesus, but their faith was not misplaced,” he said.

The new Bishop was also made a Canon of Salisbury Cathedral by the Dean of Salisbury, the Very Revd June Osborne, during the service.