Bishop of Norwich’s Community Engagements: A Month of Connection and Compassion
In a heartwarming display of pastoral care and community engagement, the Bishop of Norwich dedicated the month of November to visiting numerous locations across his diocese, with a special focus on North Norfolk. His journey took him through schools, care facilities, churches, and various community organizations, where he connected with people from all walks of life – from schoolchildren to lifeboat crews, clergy to volunteers. Each visit highlighted the Bishop’s commitment to being present in the lives of his parishioners and supporting the diverse work happening throughout the diocese.
One particularly touching moment came during the Bishop’s visit to Thornage Hall near Holt, a facility providing supported living, learning, and working opportunities for adults with learning disabilities. As a Patron of this organization, Bishop Graham blessed a new building designed for older residents, expressing his heartfelt wishes: “May the new house be a place of joy, delight, welcome and care, as well as a loving home.” This visit exemplified the Bishop’s dedication to supporting vulnerable community members and recognizing the importance of dignified, supportive living environments. His presence at Thornage Hall affirmed the valuable work being done there and brought attention to the needs of adults with learning disabilities, particularly as they age.
Education formed another significant focus of the Bishop’s activities as he visited multiple Church of England primary schools. At Horsford Primary School, celebrating its 50th anniversary at its Mill Lane site, pupils proudly gave him a tour of their facilities. He also spent quality time with the children and staff at Drayton Church of England Primary School. Perhaps most endearing was his interaction with the Aylsham Church toddler group, where children had crafted angel decorations that would later feature in his Christmas message video. This message of joy and hope for a divided world was recorded at St. Michael and All Angels Church in Aylsham, and included participation from volunteers from Bure Valley Bump Start, who shared insights about their important work with the Bishop. These school visits demonstrated the Bishop’s belief in the importance of engaging with the youngest members of his diocese and supporting Church of England education.
The Bishop’s commitment to fostering international religious connections was evident when he welcomed Bishop Reginald Makele from their link diocese in the New Guinea Islands, Papua New Guinea. The two bishops embarked on a tour of North Norfolk, visiting significant sites including Binham Priory and Walsingham. Their stop at Wells-next-the-Sea provided an opportunity to meet with the volunteer crew of the RNLI lifeboat station, where they toured the lifeboat named The Duke of Edinburgh. This visit highlighted the global nature of the Church while also acknowledging the importance of local maritime heritage and safety services. The exchange between the two bishops represents the broader connections within the Anglican Communion and the value of sharing experiences across different cultural contexts.
Beyond North Norfolk, the Bishop’s activities extended throughout the county. He visited the Aviva offices in Norwich, learning about their community engagement initiatives and staff volunteering opportunities, demonstrating his interest in how businesses contribute to social good. He also participated in the year’s ecumenical service, organized by Churches Together in Norfolk Waveney, at the Roman Catholic Cathedral, showing his commitment to interfaith cooperation. Toward the end of the month, he delivered a powerful address to the Diocesan Synod on the topics of flags, faithful patriotism, and creating “a land of God’s hope and glory” – addressing themes of national identity through a spiritual lens. Advent Sunday saw the Bishop leading the benefice service at St. John’s Garboldisham, where he licensed the Reverend Lynn Fry as associate priest, fulfilling his ecclesiastical responsibilities in nurturing church leadership.
The Bishop’s November activities paint a portrait of a religious leader deeply committed to being present in the lives of those he serves. From blessing new buildings to participating in Christmas messages, from international religious diplomacy to local church services, Bishop Graham demonstrated the multifaceted role of a modern bishop. His engagement with educational institutions, care facilities, businesses, and churches reflects a holistic approach to ministry that recognizes the interconnectedness of spiritual, social, and practical aspects of community life. Through these diverse interactions, the Bishop exemplified how religious leadership can be relevant and responsive to the varied needs of communities in the 21st century, offering support, blessing, and encouragement to people of all ages and backgrounds throughout his diocese.
