Bishop Graham spent the first Sunday of the year at Sandringham with the King and Queen, preaching at morning worship at St Mary Magdalene, Sandringham. And at the end of the month he joined their majesties at Windsor Castle for the premiere of a film setting out The King’s belief that humans must work in harmony with the natural world
In between, the bishop’s work across his diocese included confirming four teenagers in Denton, licensing a new rector for Diss, and celebrating Diocese of Norwich churches at the heart of their communities, writing about faith, farming and the rural church for the Eastern Daily Press.
One of the services he led was for the congregation of St John the Baptist, Harleston, whose church was badly damaged by fire in October. He preached and presided at their Sunday worship, temporarily relocated to the Roman Catholic chapel of St Thomas More, Harleston, and thanked the Catholic congregation for opening their building to their Church of England friends.
Ecumenical friendship was a theme through January. Bishop Graham showed fellow church leaders from Norfolk and Waveney Churches Together around Parliament. They met local MPs, toured the Commons and Lords, watched Question Time in the Lords and discussed the role of the Lords Spiritual.
As part of his duties in the Lords, Bishop Graham led prayers and spoke on faith groups contributing to reaching Net Zero. He also spoke in a debate about mining pollution in former colonies, saying the Church of England Pension Board is at the forefront of tackling the tragic human and environmental cost of abandoned mines and mining waste.
On January 11 he licensed the Revd Elizabeth Burren as Rector of Diss – and her husband, Revd Peter Burren, as permanent deacon. “May they be a blessing and be blessed by that community – ensuring that all they do is ‘rooted and grounded in love,’” he said.
The following Sunday Bishop Graham was delighted to join the congregation at Denton for a confirmation service for the Earsham Group. “It was so good to be at St Mary’s, Denton, to confirm four wonderful teenagers who have responded to Jesus’ invitation “come and see,’” said Bishop Graham.
Towards the end of January the Bishop of Norwich joined the bishops of Chelmsford and Gloucester on a pastoral visit to Jerusalem and the West Bank.
He returned with a lemon, picked by a Palestinian priest as a gift for the King – and was able to hand it to King Charles because, on his way back to Norfolk, he was a guest at the Windsor Castle premiere of Finding Harmony – A King’s Vision.
The film explores Charles III’s life-long interest in nature, environmentalism, religion, art and design.
During January, in the bishop’s beautiful garden, snow and snowdrops both featured – but even in the depths of winter there was a chance to look forward to the promise of spring, as the spring and summer open afternoons, supporting local charities, were announced.
