New Bishop of Arundel & Brighton

It has been announced today that the new bishop of Arundel & Brighton is to be Bishop Richard Moth, currently Bishop for the Forces. He was appointed to that position in 2009 at the age of 50. Although this may seem young, it is recognised that this position requires fitness and is therefore suitable for a younger man. He was previously Chancellor and then Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Southwark. Now aged 56, he could still have 20 years ahead of him as a diocesan bishop. The post that he is taking on is likely to be particularly difficult, and it may be for this reason that a relatively young and fit man has been chosen. It may be for the same reason that the post has been filled within 6 months. The clergy of Arundel and Brighton often say that there has been a lack of leadership in the diocese in recent years, so Bishop Moth will have his work cut out for the next few months. I know nothing of Bishop Moth's attitude towards the traditional Mass. In fact, I know very little about Bishop Moth at all. There is very little about him on the internet. This is not necessarily a bad thing, as I can think of other episcopal appointments, where relatively unknown priests have turned out to be excellent bishops.