The 98th Bishop of Lichfield Looks Toward Youth

England -- The newly installed Bishop of Lichfield called for an increase in congregational youth to the Church of England, during his enthronement ceremony at Lichfield cathedral, Saturday, Nov. 15.

"In many cases young people have deserted our churches and we have to do something about it,” said the Rev. Jonathan Gledhill, 54.

Gledhill, the 98th holder of the historic post, acknowledged that attracting younger worshippers is one of the church’s prime solutions to its greatest problems; currently, several of the cathedrals in the area are closing its doors in lieu of falling congregations, decreased funding and shortage of priests.

Gledhill’s diocese will cover most of Shropshire, Staffordshire and parts of the West Midlands.