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Norwich Bishop amazed by church Covid response 

The Bishop of Norwich, Graham Usher, says he has been amazed by the response of the county’s church goers and clergy to the Covid-19 pandemic. in an interview to mark the end of his first year in office.

Speaking to the Eastern Daily Press, Bishop Graham said: “I take my hat off to all the clergy and volunteer leaders, there has been an incredible transformation as we learned to live-stream services and bring the church into people’s homes. The online worship has shown us that church is first and foremost about people and not buildings, we have learnt as we have gone along.
 
“We have also rediscovered pastoral care and serving one another, and this is not just in the church community but beyond as well. We have realises that those who are sometimes the least recognised are often the most essential in keeping the life of the community together.”
 
Nonetheless the bishop said he sensed a “post traumatic unease” across the community: “This experience will change us. Britain will look different and we have been through a difficult time and we are likely to face more difficulties and deeper challenges in the years to come.
 
“There is a stress reaction in many people and the question for the church is how to build communities of faithfulness and reconciliation as well as provide a message of hope. All churches offer a sanctuary for many people in a changing world and we need to treasure them and the communities that worship in them.”
 
Read the full interview on EDP24.

 

Keith Morris, 15/10/2020

Published: 15/10/2020
Keith Morris

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