Churches make commitment (From Worcester News)

Churches make commitment

3:55pm Tuesday 9th November 2010 in Community

CHURCH leaders in Worcestershire have committed themselves to working together.

Christian leaders, including the Bishop of Worcester, signed a new covenant of commitment to each other during a service of celebration and commitment at St Andrew’s Methodist Church in Worcester.

By signing the covenant, representatives of all the major Christian groups committed themselves to work, share and worship together.

The church leaders who signed the agreement were: ● The Rev Jim Brown, ecumenical officer for Worcestershire in the West Midlands Synod of the United Reformed Church.

● The Rev Bill Anderson, chairman of the Birmingham district of the Methodist Church.

● The Right Rev Dr John Inge, Bishop of Worcester in the Church of England, Diocese of Worcester.

● Desmond Gamlen, representative for the Religious Society of Friends in Worcestershire.

● The Revd Keith Judson, team leader in the Heart of England Baptist Association.

● Father Kevin Kavanagh, chairman of the Ecumenical Commission of the Archdiocese of Birmingham.

The service was organised by Churches Together in Worcestershire and marked the anniversary of the modern ecumenical movement.

The Rev David Ryan, Anglican diocesan ecumenical officer for Worcestershire, said: “It was remarkable for Christians from across Worcestershire – from a whole variety of backgrounds and traditions – to come and to share something of our life together.

“The service itself was both moving and challenging as we, with our church leaders, committed ourselves to sharing, working and worshipping together in the future.”