The Bishop of Norwich met people across the diocese in December – including hospital emergency department nurses and the pupils and staff of a school for disabled children.
He confirmed parishioners in Hillington, near Sandringham, announced a new priest for Swaffham, and on Christmas day led worship in Norwich Cathedral and Norwich Prison.
After preaching at a packed Midnight Mass in the cathedral he spent the morning at HMP Norwich. “Christ comes among us today, including for and with those in prison,” said Bishop Graham.
Christmas services throughout December included a concert by a choir from Norwich’s link diocese in Sweden and the Governor’s carol service at Wayland Prison, near Watton, where the Bishop talked about the Nativity story, drawing on his Christmas message to the diocese. “It is a moving privilege to talk to prisoners and pray with them at this time of the year,” he said.
He was also delighted to meet young people and staff at the Clare School, Norwich, when he presented them with the £1,000 Bishop of Norwich First Nature Award. They have created a garden where they can remember friends, enjoy gardening and spend time in nature.
“Children at Clare first learn the words ‘yes’, ‘no, ‘more’, ‘finish’ to give them agency. They want more nature!” said Bishop Graham.
He also took issues facing farmers from his diocese to the House of Lords where he spoke in a debate on budget proposals, saying: “Our farming families feed our nation. They provide nature benefits. They contribute to the warp and weft of community life. We need them. We owe them a fair system.”
