Bishop of Shrewsbury ready for a new challenge

I remember it well. Composing questions as I drove south-west to meet someone we were soon to welcome to Shrewsbury and the wider area of Shropshire.

I was even listening to a Favourite Hymns CD, getting into the spirit of things.

My destination was Devon where waiting for me at Exeter Cathedral was a bishop. The new Anglican Area Bishop of Shrewsbury, no less. The Right Rev Mark Rylands.

And one thing I remember so well during that day was being introduced to people in the cathedral who were sorting books, guiding visitors or on other duties and that one of the ladies was tearful at the very reminder that their much loved bishop and now our new Bishop Mark, was leaving them to come to us and she instructed (threatened) that we look after him!

I finally left for home, impressed by the bishop and the devotion of his flock.

And now, nearly nine years on, it is time to ask how we did.

Because Bishop Mark and his wife the Rev Preb Mandy Rylands are moving on, to the South West again, with different challenges to face.

He will continue as Bishop of Shrewsbury until July when, with love and thanks from our area, a special farewell service will send him and Mandy on their way.

At their comfy home in Shrewsbury, I talked to them about the past, present and future. Bishop Mark says: “It has been a huge privilege to serve the people of Shropshire and Telford as the Anglican Bishop of Shrewsbury.

Working in the diocese of Lichfield has been an enriching experience and I am grateful to Bishop Jonathan Gledhill for giving me the opportunity back in 2009. His wise and gentle leadership helped foster unity in a diverse diocese.”

Now, Bishop Michael Ipgrave has taken on the mantle of Bishop of Lichfield and Bishop Mark praises his “new and compelling vision inviting people to come and following the footsteps of St Chad”.

And so Bishop Mark Rylands now moves to take up a new role as a priest-in-charge of the Ashburton and Moorland team in Exeter diocese and seeing where God will lead them. He says: “I am slightly daunted but know that where God calls, he also equips. It will be sad to leave. And some may think it a surprise move. But for me, I have sensed God’s beckoning to serve as a parish priest again.

“For the last 16 years as both diocesan missioner and Area Bishop, much of my ministry has been to encourage, challenge and help churches and church leaders to embody and share the good news of Jesus Christ in local communities. I have heard God calling me now to go and walk the talk!

Aware

“I am acutely aware that I have a great deal to learn in becoming a parish priest and am not unaware of the challenges I face. But I have a heart for rural mission and ministry and getting to know the people of Ashburton and Moorland team in the Exeter Diocese.”

His wife, who officially retired last year, will be closer to her family, especially her 90-year-old father. But her service during the past decade in Shropshire, has been significant and she will be greatly missed.

A prebendary emeritus of Exeter Cathedral, the Rev Mandy has served our diocese in many areas including chaplain of Prestfelde School, area advisor for the Ministry of Women, Diocesan advisor for self-supporting ministry, assistant priest at St Chad’s in Shrewsbury, assistant Rural Dean for Shrewsbury Deanery, Interim Priest for the Severn Loop parishes and Interim Diocesan Director of Ordinands.

Indeed this lovely, caring couple have been great contributors to our county and communities and they will be truly missed.

But as they set off this summer for the next chapter in their book of faith, both are swift to make it clear that they will miss us as well!

Ask Bishop Mark which areas of work here have perhaps been most rewarding and he says: “Well number one, how to help the church reach new generations. In particular, encouraging Messy Church and Families at Five for instance and I am encouraged that this work has been taken up and people have heard that cry.

“Secondly, helping the churches embody the good news in their communities. Helping people deal with debt, the Street Pastors groups, for instance, so the church has a name for doing good.”

Cricketer

As well as a bishop who makes a difference, he is also a leading and passionate cricketer – reaching the Church Times Cricket Club several times and taking the trophy in 2010. He has also managed the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Cricket XI since 2014 – and, away from the sporting pitch, is also a keen angler. Both Mark and Mandy are very proud of their children, son Sam and daughter Frances.

Their father says: “Frances is doing post-doctoral research in Dublin on landscape and stuff. While Sam is training for church ministry.”

And Sam will not find better examples than his parents.

A devoted couple indeed. The bishop says: “Mandy has been a wonderful companion and contributed hugely to the life of Lichfield Diocese. She has served in several posts, willing to fill gaps and pick up ministry when needed.”

Plaudits have poured in from across the church spectrum . . . from other bishops, church hierarchy and clergy to congregations simply keen to say: Thank you and well done.

And Bishop Mark himself says: “We are both very grateful for the friendship, kindness and love we have received in Shropshire, Telford and across the Lichfield Diocese. Now we prepare for the adventure ahead on Dartmoor!”

God speed to a very special family.