Church leaders have celebrated their joint mission by renewing a commitment to unity first made more than 30 years ago.
The leaders of the seven denominations which make up Churches Together in Norfolk and Waveney – Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Quaker, Salvation Army and United Reformed – sealed a new declaration of unity with a service of thanksgiving and commitment at Norwich Cathedral.
At the service on November 24 the new covenant was signed by the Rt Revd Peter Collins, the Catholic Bishop of East Anglia, Liz Hoffbauer of Norwich Quakers, the Revd Helen Hollands, chair of East Anglia Methodist District, the Revd David Mayne, regional minister team leader for the Eastern Baptist Association, the Revd Lythan Nevard, moderator for the Eastern Synod of the United Reformed Church, Major Howard Russell, East of England Divisional Commander for the Salvation Army, and the Bishop of Norwich the Rt Revd Graham Usher.
The seven church leaders pledged to continue working together, sharing gifts and resources, to reach as many people as possible across Norfolk with the good news of the gospel.
Their priorities include sharing friendship and understanding, praying and proclaiming the gospel, helping the lost and vulnerable and serving those who suffer poverty and disadvantage, speaking with one voice whenever possible, and supporting the aims and objectives of Churches Together in England.
Opening the service Bishop Graham said: “This ecumenical gathering is following in the steps of Christ our Lord. Jesus is the type of king who gathers people around him, the type of king who shares that heavenly wisdom and of himself, rather than taking everything for himself.
“Our best work ecumenically is done locally where a thousand projects bring hope and healing and blessing.”
Introducing the signing, Liz Hoffbauer talked about churches across the denominations offering people help ranging from bereavement counselling to warm spaces in the winter, and working with local councils to provide overnight accommodation for rough sleepers.
“There is just not enough time for me to praise all of the faith projects supporting Norfolk people,” she said. “Our aims for the coming year will include trying to help diminish the extent of food poverty in Norfolk but also to speak out together about the need for peace everywhere by underlining the importance of the International Day of Peace next September and I hope every year.”
The sermon was given by Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together.
The new Church Leaders Declaration of Commitment for Christian Unity renews a 1991 declaration.
It acknowledges with thankfulness their common faith and common call to serve in God’s mission, the diversity of their traditions and the different gifts each brings, and invites Christians across Norfolk and Waveney to support the ‘partnership of trust and cooperation’ as they serve and witness together.
The church leaders will continue their fellowship and commitment to Christian unity on a pilgrimage to Rome in January, ahead of the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
Picture: Keith Morris/networknorfolk.co.uk