In a first for the Diocese of Norwich, minister Rev Danny Doran-Smith has become the first to be licensed to his new role as a curate in Sprowston and New Catton online via Zoom. Keith Morris reports
The historic occasion took place on April 2 when the Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham Usher, performed the ceremony remotely via video-conference application Zoom.
Bishop Graham said: “Licensing Danny online via Zoom was a first for both myself and the Diocese of Norwich. However, in these challenging times it was nonetheless authentic and heartfelt. Another expression of “being church” in a new and different way. As I said to Danny: ‘Go well into this new adventure of being the Church of hope and service, ‘for we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works’.”
Danny made his Declaration of Assent and pleaded his Oath of Allegiance to the Queen as part of the service.
He said: “I echo the Bishop’s kind words, this was indeed a first and I’m deeply thankful that we were able to come together to see it happen.
“I’m excited about starting a new chapter at Christ Church, and am committed to approaching Missional Partnership in the Sprowston parish and across the benefice in new, innovative and socially relevant ways.”
Also present online were Rev Canon Simon Stokes, Vicar of Sprowston, the Ven Karen Hutchinson, Archdeacon of Norwich, Rev Canon Sally Theakston, Bishop’s Chaplain and churchwardens Andy Spooner and Susan Ellingham.
Pictured top is the online Zoom licensing of Danny Doran-Smith and, above, his ordination in a more traditional setting at Norwich Cathedral.
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