Boy bishop to take throne at Hereford Cathedral (From Hereford Times)

Boy bishop to take throne at Hereford Cathedral

9:00am Thursday 3rd December 2009 in

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CHORISTER Alex Shepherd will take to the pulpit at Hereford Cathedral on Sunday as this year’s boy bishop.

Like many selected before him, the 14-year-old will address the congregation at a special service originally devised to fight off the darkness of midwinter in medieval times by celebrating the importance of revelry.

His talk about making decisions in life will be the pivotal point of a ceremony in which he replaces the bishop of the diocese on the throne in order to lead the prayers and preach a self-written sermon.

Having prepared his text in good time, the former head chorister was feeling enthusiastic about his new role.

“It’s like getting your best Christmas present three weeks early,” he said.

He is one of only a handful of choristers countrywide that are still chosen to take part in the tradition, according to their good character, by the cathedral dean, precentor and organist.

The service takes place at Hereford Cathedral at 3pm, when everyone is welcome to attend.