In pictures: Introduction of the Bishop of Rochester
On Tuesday 1st April, James Henry Langstaff, Lord Bishop of Rochester, was introduced and took the oath, supported by the Bishop of Leicester and the Bishop of Norwich, and signed an undertaking to abide by the Code of Conduct.
Some photos:
Bishop of Rochester (centre) with his two sponsors, the Bishops of Leicester (l) and Norwich (r), in the Bishops’ Robing Room, before the IntroductionThe Reading Clerk reads the writ of summons from HM Queen for the Bishop to attend Parliament.The Reading Clerk hands the Bishop of Rochester the New Testament, on which he recites the Oath.After swearing the Oath, the Bishop of Rochester signs the Roll and the Code of ConductThe Bishop of Rochester, with the Bishops of Norwich (l) and Leicester (r) proceeds to the Bishops’ Benches, pausing to face the Woolsack and bow to the Cloth of Estate.The Bishop of Rochester shakes hands with the Lord Speaker before taking his seat on the Bishops’ Benches
The full procedure for introduction of Lords Spiritual to the House of Lords is set out in the House of Lords Companion to Standing Orders, which can be read here.