ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the author shares with his experience of the work of Richard Harries, Bishop of Oxford from 1987 to 2006, has been highly distinctive for the consistency of its engagement with contemporary society. He found in Richard a careful guide, an encourager, and person of discipline and prayer. When he left the college to work at St Christopher's Hospice in south London, he brought a group of ordinands to see something of its life and work. The nine years at Fulham surely gave Richard the wisdom about the work of a parish which has formed the way in which he has operated as a diocesan bishop. The diocese of Oxford would have been episcopally unmanageable without the significant delegation to three area bishops. Richard has trusted and supported them and their archdeacons. Part of the bishop's duty is to rise to the occasion and help to make it special, even though for him it may be very routine.
