One Church, One Faith, One Lord
It has been a joy these first four months of the year being the acting bishop of Stepney. The former bishop moved on in the autumn, and bishop (now archbishop) Sarah asked me to support the team as she moved on to Lambeth. Familiar with parts of London, the Windrush Line was new to me, so getting to know Islington, Tower Hamlets and Bethnal Green has been a new discovery, finding new vibrancy and life in the East End.
Spending a couple of days a week in our capital city I discovered frequent buses, the ability to walk thousands of steps a day between tube stations, churches and hotels and a great area team, Archdeacon, Missioner and Director of Ordinands. I met parish clergy, committed laity and young people; the newly ordained and the long serving area dean; interns testing their vocation, vicars to be licensed and new believers ready to be baptised and confirmed.
Yet the challenges of urban ministry are not too different from the challenges we face here in the Salisbury diocese, some churches struggle while others thrive; areas of deprivation adjoin areas of plenty; and partnerships and collaboration are encouraged as a way of sharing resources and working together joyfully in God’s world. And the opportunities are the same too. A chance to reach out to those in need and offer hospitality, extending a welcome to newcomers in whom Christ is working, and walking alongside individuals in their faith journey.
As I have been energised by a new experience, so the London diocese have gained from my insights and objectivity. Now a new bishop begins in Stepney and I pass the baton on. It is always good to be reminded that the church is much bigger than our own experience of it, and we share together in God’s amazing plan, thankful for brothers and sisters everywhere and for all they can teach us.
- Bishop Karen
