40 churches join together in Norwich chain of prayer

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St Luke’s Chapel in the Cathedral provided an appropriate setting for the annual Chain of Prayer during the Octave of Prayer for Christian Unity.

Indonesia, a country with a wide ethnic and religious diversity highlighting a need for unity, provided this year’s material for ecumenical services in Christian Unity week. The central theme was Justice, based on Deuteronomy 16:18-20 – “Justice, and only justice, you shall pursue…”

The Chain of Prayer ran from 10am to 4pm, with 15-minute sessions being led by clergy from 40 churches in the city representing eight different Christian denominations.

Most slots were shared between two denominations, providing a truly ecumenical flavour. One of the sessions was led by Fr Sean Connolly (pictured above), with around 32 parishioners of St George’s together with the Revd Debbie Caulk, a Methodist minister from Chapel Field Church and some of her parishioners.

Central to Fr Sean’s contribution was an apt reading from St Paul’s letter to the Galatians (1:11-24) and 3 Psalms. Many clergy conducted services whilst others used the time for silent prayer and contemplation.

The Norwich Chain of Prayer is organised by the County Ecumenical Officer, Catherine Howe, assisted by the Denominational Ecumenical Officers of Norfolk & Waveney Churches Together (NWCT).

Catherine said:

“We would like to thank everyone who supported this initiative – those who led prayers, those who just dropped by to pray silently, our Ecumenical Canons and the Cathedral – who let us use their beautiful and peaceful chapel.

“We can already announce the date for 2020 – Thursday 23 January, again in St Luke’s chapel.”

If you would like to be part of this or would like more information, please contact Catherine at: catherine.howe@dioceseofnorwich.org or visit www.nwct.org.uk

Pictured above, Fr Sean Connolly helps to lead a session of the Chain of Prayer in Norwich.

This article comes courtesy of Network Norfolk.