The Queen grants new role to Bishop of Worcester (From Stourbridge News)

The Queen grants new role to Bishop of Worcester

12:00pm Sunday 24th February 2013 in Local

HER Majesty The Queen has appointed the Bishop of Worcester as the next Lord High Almoner.

The Lord High Almoner’s chief responsibility is to oversee the arrangements for the Royal Maundy Service, which is where The Queen distributes ‘Maundy Money’, as well as delivering the Royal Maundy lecture, which delivers a history of the service and explains the symbolism.

Bishop of Worcester, the Right Reverend Dr John Inge, will take up the role following the retirement of the Bishop of Manchester, who held the post since 1997.

Bishop John said: “I am honoured to take on this ancient role which is the Queen’s personal appointment. I shall be responsible for the Royal Maundy service which is a wonderful reminder each year that the ideal of Christian service lies at the heart of the monarchy, an ideal which Her Majesty the Queen has embodied so wholeheartedly in her devoted service to her people for over sixty years.”

The names of  Lord High Almoners can be traced back to the early twelfth century.