Publisher of Network Norfolk, Keith Morris writes…
A congregation of around 150 saw senior regional leaders of the Anglican, Catholic, Baptist, Methodist, URC, Quakers and Salvation Army sign the Covenant under the banner of Churches Together in Norfolk & Waveney.
Those signing were: Ms Liz Hoffbauer (Convenor of the Leadership Group – Norwich Quakers), Rev Helen Hollands (Chair of East Anglia Methodist District), Major Howard Russell (East of England Divisional Commander for the Salvation Army), Rev Lythan Nevard (Moderator for the Eastern Synod URC), Rev David Mayne (Regional Minister Team Leader for the Eastern Baptist Association), Rt Rev Peter Collins (Catholic Bishop of East Anglia), Rt Rev Graham Usher (Bishop of Norwich in the Church of England).
Opening the service Bishop Graham Usher said: “Our best work ecumenically is done locally where a thousand projects bring hope and healing and blessing. Projects across Norfolk and Waveney that gather people around Jesus, that seek heavenly things and projects that share the life of Jesus. Christians working together to love God and their neighbour.
“Friends, through this vital smorgasbord of vitality, we know that the walls of our divisions do not reach as high as heaven. This is what we come together to celebrate. In signing this declaration of our commitment to Christian unity, we are all saying loudly and clearly that we will seek to do all we can to see Christ in each other and be partners in the Gospel with Christ as our foundation.”
Introducing the signing, Liz Hoffbauer, said: “I started to attend Churches Together in 2020 during lockdown when diocesan ecumenical officers and church leaders meetings were on Zoom. At that time I learnt that denominations were working together very hard for the benefit of their communities.
“King’s Lynn was particularly inspirational and continues now in bereavement counselling and global warming. Churches in Norwich are providing warm spaces this winter and some are providing overnight accommodation for rough sleepers with the help of Norwich City Council. The same is happening in other areas of Norfolk. Our county houses some of the richest people in the county and some of the poorest. If all the Norfolk denominations joined forces and resources we could really make a difference. There is just not enough time for me to praise all of the faith projects supporting Norfolk people,” said Liz.
Norfolk and Waveney’s priorities for ecumenical mission
1 Sharing friendship and understanding
2 Sharing prayer and deepening our Communion with Christ and proclaiming the Gospel
3 Helping the lost and the vulnerable and serving those who suffer poverty and disadvantages
4 Speaking with one voice in common witness wherever we are able to do so.
5 Supporting the aims and objectives of Churches Together in England.”
The General Secretary of Churches Together, Bishop Mike Royal, was present to witness the signing and during his sermon he said: “Living with difference is the challenge of our time and Scripture encourages us to do the same. We recognize that unity does not mean uniformity but diversity in its widest sense and that is how we enrich one another.
“As you go back to your respective churches I want to encourage you to be ready for the harvest. May we as Christ’s church be ready, may we work together as one, may we know His glory and may the Lord prepare us to welcome those who would be drawn to the love of Christ.”
The church leaders will continue their fellowship and commitment to Christian unity on a pilgrimage together to Rome in January 2025, just before the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.
A longer version of this article first appeared on Network Norfolk.
Photo credits: Keith Morris/networknorfolk.co.uk