12 year old delivers sermon as she becomes temporary bishop at Salisbury Cathedral
It's a tradition that dates back to medieval times
A 12 year old has become the latest in a long line of Chorister Bishops to be installed at Salisbury Cathedral.
Isabel Moss temporarily took over the role of bishop for a 45 minute Evensong Service on Sunday (5th December).
During the service the Acting Bishop of Salisbury relinquished her staff, mitre and cope and stood aside whilst Isabel, the Chorister Bishop stepped up into the bishop’s throne wearing the Chorister Bishop’s robe, mitre and ring and carrying a staff.
From the throne she delivered a sermon and led the choir and congregation in prayer.
David Halls, Director of Music at Salisbury Cathedral said:
“Isabel is an exceptionally good singer and an excellent role model for the younger choristers. She’s has been in the choir for 4 years and was made a senior chorister in September. She knows how to work hard but enjoy life, which is exactly what we want our choristers to do. Singing with a Cathedral choir is a big responsibility but also great fun.”
Isabel has been singing in the choir for four years and became a senior chorister in September.
The Chorister Bishop or Boy Bishop tradition goes back to medieval times, when a boy chorister held the office of bishop from the Feast of St Nicholas on the 6th December until the Feast of the Holy Innocents on 28th December.
During that time, medieval child bishops could appoint clergy and distribute the Church’s money as they saw fit.
Salisbury Cathedral appointed its first Girl Chorister Bishop in 2015.