Church leaders from five different denominations across Norfolk and Waveney met the Pope during a pilgrimage to Rome.
The Roman Catholic Bishop of East Anglia, the Rt Revd Peter Collins said the group celebrated their shared faith, just ahead of the international week of prayer for Christian unity.
“Our encounter with Pope Francis was a particular highlight,” said Bishop Peter. “We were delighted to be resident for the week at the oldest English institution outside England, the Venerable English College, which is now a seminary for priestly formation but was originally founded as a Hospice for pilgrims in 1362. We were privileged to hold meetings at the Dicastery (Department) for Promoting Christian Unity and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development. We were all profoundly enriched by our shared experience in Rome and I am confident that its fruit will further enhance our desire to work more collaboratively in the future across Norfolk and Waveney.
The group, from Churches Together in Norfolk and Waveney, also enjoyed guided tours of St Peter’s, and of a church which was built around the burial-place of St Paul. They worshipped together and spent time at a Roman Catholic dicastery, or department, set up to promote Christian unity. They also visited a dicastery founded by Pope Francis to work for justice, peace, and the safeguarding of all creation including people facing war and enslavement.
”The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Revd Graham Usher, said: “I find that any pilgrimage changes me, not just in its new experiences and visits, but in the conversations and prayer along the way. I learnt much from my ecumenical companions for which I am very grateful, whilst also fostering links with the Vatican around our shared approach to the imperative of caring for God’s creation.”
The church leaders are all members of Churches Together in Norfolk and Waveney, which links seven denominations – Anglican, Baptist, Catholic, Methodist, Quaker, Salvation Army and United Reformed.
They recently renewed their commitment to working together, first made more than 30 years ago, with a service of thanksgiving and commitment in Norwich Cathedral.
The Revd Lythan Nevard, moderator for the Eastern Synod of the United Reformed Church, said: “This week has been a time of deepening relationships between senior church leaders and expanding my understanding of the joys of Catholic worship, Anglican communion, and a Quaker meeting. Being in Rome we have been immersed in the history of the church, which I pray will enable us to work creatively together as the church of the future in Norfolk and Waveney.”
“Particular highlights were the tour of the Scavi, the Basilica of St Paul’s Outside the Wall and the honour of being presented to the Pope. But just as precious are the conversations with each other and all the people we encountered and the hospitality of the Venerable English College where we felt truly welcomed as pilgrims.”
The Revd David Mayne, regional minister team leader for the Eastern Baptist Association, said: “It has been a true joy to share these days in beautiful Rome with ecumenical colleagues from Norfolk and Waveney. I have learnt a tremendous amount, and I have been thoroughly blessed by the hospitality and spirituality of our hosts. It is a time I will treasure for many years, and I’m sure it will be formative for my ministry supporting and encouraging our churches.”
Liz Hoffbauer, of the Society of Friends, or Quakers, said: “The church leaders have spent a very busy five days, full of interesting visits and experiences. However, the most important aspect of the pilgrimage has been the opportunity to get to know one another much better. No matter what our differences of faith are, there is more that binds us together than keeps us apart.”