Alresford celebrates ecumenical first

Alresford has become the first church in the Diocese of Chelmsford to take the major step of signing an Ecumenical Welcome and Commitment – a warm welcome to all, regardless of denomination.

This North Essex event was celebrated with a service on Palm Sunday evening – a date that coincided with the 30th anniversary of the opening of St Andrew’s Church. 

As this was the first event of its kind in the diocese, Bishop John joined the celebrations (he is very good at jiving) and he preached to a packed church. 

Previous members of the congregation returned and a superb tea was enjoyed in the multi-purpose building.

The children contributed to the service with historical facts and a thought-provoking story mirroring the life of Christ was performed by a group of young people. 

A Methodist minister was among those who gave testimony to the welcome received by all denominations at St Andrew’s.

The church has taken its responsibility to welcome all denominations seriously for very many years. But this signing showed a renewed commitment by all church members. 

All members of St Andrew’s stood and made the declaration together.

* Details of this ecumenical welcome are available from the Bishop of Chelmsford`s Adviser for Ecumenism Canon Eileen French who can be contacted at eileenfrench@btinternet.com

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