Tears as Madeline bids farewell to Norwich church 

Rev Madeline Light was honored at a farewell service at St Stephen’s Norwich after serving as its first female vicar for 15 years. The service captured the essence of Madeline’s tenure, filled with music, color, celebration, and encounters between friends and strangers. Madeline’s sermon focused on the importance of the Bible and the concept of light, emphasizing the need for clarity in faith and the illuminating power of the light that can conquer darkness.

Tributes were given to Madeline’s transformative leadership, from overseeing a major building project to creating a mission to help the homeless and marginalized in the city. Her vision for St Stephen’s was to bring people to faith while also including those in need, inspired by her own family’s experiences with disability and poverty. The church became a sanctuary for those seeking spiritual healing and a place of inclusion where people from different backgrounds could find acceptance.

Under Madeline’s leadership, St Stephen’s became known for its warm hospitality, serving as a ‘vicar factory’ where many individuals went on to become ordained ministers. The church also provided a space for those who had difficult experiences in other churches to heal and find a sense of community. As Madeline bid farewell, the congregation sang a blessing song over her, marking the end of a chapter and the beginning of a new one led by Ian Fifield. A plaque was erected outside the church to honor Madeline’s contributions to the community.

Madeline expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill her dream at St Stephen’s and spoke of her hope for the congregation to continue growing. As she embarks on a new journey with her husband, the congregation offered their blessings for their future endeavors. The legacy of Madeline’s leadership and the impact she made on the community will continue to be felt at St Stephen’s, as her spirit of openness, generosity, and inclusivity lives on in the church.