THE election of the new bishop of Monmouth is to be confirmed when the bishops of the Church in Wales meet in a ceremony next month.

The Venerable Richard Pain, Archdeacon of Monmouth, was elected to be the diocese’s bishop in July.

His election will be confirmed at a Sacred Synod ceremony, due to be held at the college chapel, University of Wales Trinity Saint David at Lampeter, on September 11.

Ven Pain will later be consecrated by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, at Llandaff Cathedral on September 21 and installed at Newport Cathedral on October 18.

The Sacred Synod, which is made up of the other five Welsh diocesan bishops, will check the election of the of the bishop was carried out properly and that there were no objections to the election.

The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, will then confirm the appointment at the open meeting which takes place after evening prayer at 8pm and during the church’s two-day meeting in Lampeter.

Richard Pain, 56, who has been Archdeacon of Monmouth for the past five years, was chosen to lead the Monmouth Diocese as its tenth bishop at Newport Cathedral in July.

His election followed the retirement of Dominic Walker, who served as Bishop of Monmouth for ten years until he retired at the end of June.

As Archdeacon of Monmouth, The Ven Pain is one of the most senior clergy in the diocese. Prior to being appointed Archdeacon, he was Vicar in Monmouth for ten years and also served as a vicar in Risca, Six Bells and Cwmtillery and as a curate in Caldicot.

On accepting his appointment, The Ven Pain had said it was a great privilege and honour to have been elected.

The Ven Pain graduated from Bristol University and University of Wales, Cardiff, and trained for ministry at St Michael’s College, Llandaff.

He has held a number of number of diocesan and provincial appointments with a particular interest in ministry – the selection and training of clergy and other church leaders.

He has been warden of Ordinands for Monmouth Diocese and is chairman of the provincial selection board.

A keen supporter of the ministry of woman as bishops, The Ven Pain is also a member of the Church’s governing body.

Mr Pain has a wife, Julie, and the couple have two sons, Jonathan, 29, and Christopher, 26.

A keen amateur photographer, The Ven Pain, also plays classical guitar and keeps hens.