HAMPSHIRE’S newest bishop has ditched the manifesto and promised to listen to others as he embarks on a fact-finding mission.

Speaking following the announcement of his new post this week, the Bishop of Portsmouth, the Rt Rev Christopher Foster, said he had no fixed blueprint for the future.

Instead he vowed to speak to parishioners to discover what they think needed to be done to boost the church and follow “God’s way forward”.

He said: “I haven’t got a manifesto. Being bishop involves discernment and waiting on God.

“In my first months, I’ll look forward to discovering more about the Church here, and listening to others before we discern the way forward. And it won’t be my way, but God’s way forward.

“All Christians should have some guiding characteristics, qualities that can be seen in individual’s lives and in the life of the Church. I’d like to identify four.

“Firstly, Christians are called to be compassionate in their caring for other people. Secondly, they are called to share in what God is doing already in the world in his mission and ministry.

“Third, Christians are called to encourage discipleship, to draw other people into the love of God. And fourthly, they stand for truth, for justice and for peace. I’d like to lead a Church with those qualities.”

To celebrate his appointment, he and his wife Sally enjoyed a tour of the diocese, where he was met with spontaneous applause from more than 150 clergy and worshippers.

The bishop, who grew up in the West Midlands and Surrey, will officially take up the role later this year.