Bishop Graham’s July diocese diary: welcomes, blessings, new priests and pleas for peace and justice

The city of Norwich has a long history of being a welcoming and hospitable place, and this was evident at the annual family garden party hosted by the Bishop of Norwich. Over 200 refugees from countries such as Afghanistan, Syria, Sudan, and Myanmar attended the event, where they enjoyed music, food, games, and activities for children. The bishop, Graham, welcomed the families and expressed his hope that the event would help continue Norwich’s tradition of providing a safe and welcoming space for those in need. He also prayed for the refugees, asking for God’s blessing and peace, and acknowledged the importance of caring for the stranger and the outcast. The event was organized by Norfolk County Council’s ‘People From Abroad’ team and was a wonderful opportunity for the refugees to relax and socialize in a beautiful and historic setting.

The garden party was not only a fun-filled event, but it also played a significant role in supporting local charities. The National Garden Scheme, which supports nursing charities, Leeway, Vision Norfolk, and the RSPCA East Winch Wildlife Centre, hosted open garden afternoons in the historic grounds in July, raising thousands of pounds for these worthy causes. Additionally, the Bishop of Norwich Lent Appeal was launched in the garden in January, and people across the diocese helped raise an impressive £16,415 for the Norfolk-based rural mental health charity You Are Not Alone. The bishop’s work extends far beyond the garden party, as he is also Abbot of St Benet’s and recently arrived at his Abbey of St Benet’s aboard a wherry to lead the annual service. This picturesque and traditional duty is a highlight of the bishop’s year, and he was grateful to local farmers who had restored the iconic pilgrim cross at the abbey.

The bishop’s month was filled with a variety of events and activities, including visits to King’s Lynn Minster, where he installed Kathryn Buscall as the High Steward and took part in a procession to bless the fishing fleet. He also licensed priests to new parishes and benefices, including the Revd Jonathan Dowman at St Nicholas, Blakeney, and the Revd Ian Fifield at St David’s, Thorpe End. At St Peter’s, Hoveton, the bishop took part in a thanksgiving service marking the 400th anniversary of the church and dedicated its newly thatched roof. These events demonstrate the bishop’s commitment to his community and his role as a leader in the diocese. Furthermore, the bishop led a clergy teaching morning in Norwich Cathedral on the theme of stewards of creation and the environment, and gave the blessing at the Diocesan Schools Day in the cathedral.

One of the highlights of the bishop’s month was leading a pilgrimage of young people from the Diocese of Norwich to Taize in France. This was a unique opportunity for the teenagers and young adults to come together, travel, and camp, while enjoying talks, trips, meditations, and big church services. The bishop’s passion for social justice and his commitment to the environment were evident in his participation in the mass climate lobby of Parliament, where he asked MPs to help those facing climate disaster. He also spoke in the House of Lords, calling for cables to be buried underground across the Waveney Valley and highlighting the prohibitive connection costs quoted for churches in Lowestoft and King’s Lynn keen to use green energy. The bishop’s work on the international stage is also noteworthy, as he joined fellow bishops to call on the UK Government to hold Israel to account for settler violence in the West Bank, which threatens the peace of the region and the continued presence of Christians in the Holy Land.

The bishop’s international work also included joining the Archbishop of York and other bishops in calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza, the release of hostages, and the recognition of Palestinian statehood. He also met with leaders from indigenous groups around the world at the Harmony Summit at Highgrove, where he learned about traditional ways of healing people, nature, and the planet. The bishop’s commitment to social justice and his passion for the environment are inspiring, and his work is making a real difference in the lives of people both locally and internationally. As he continues to lead the diocese and advocate for those in need, his message of hope, love, and compassion is an important reminder of the power of faith and community to bring about positive change.

In conclusion, the Bishop of Norwich’s month was filled with a wide range of events and activities, from the annual family garden party to his international work on social justice and the environment. Throughout it all, the bishop has demonstrated his commitment to his community, his passion for social justice, and his dedication to the environment. As he continues to lead the diocese and advocate for those in need, his message of hope, love, and compassion is an inspiration to us all. The bishop’s work is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for a better future, and that together, we can make a real difference in the lives of those around us. Whether it is through his work with refugees, his advocacy on behalf of the environment, or his commitment to social justice, the Bishop of Norwich is a shining example of the power of faith and community to bring about positive change.