Twinning united churches

Two very different parishes in the diocese have formed a twinning link.

Forest Gate's Emmanuel Church is in a busy multi-ethnic, multifaith area. Last June, the church hosted talks and a press conference following earlier antiterrorism police raids in Forest Gate.

Coggeshall's St Peter ad Vincula parish church is in a small picturesque rural North Essex market town.

But the two parishes have much in common. They have forged a formal link to improve mutual understanding of the very different contexts of what it is to ‘be church' in 21st century Britain.

The scheme started last year, with parish visits enabling representatives from the two churches to get to know each other and to share experiences and ideas.

Coggeshall's priest, Revd Philip Banks, said: "This has been a fantastic opportunity which will enrich our parishes' experiences of church life. As well as praying foreach other's needs and concerns, the twinning link aims to give the opportunity to reflect on how to proclaim the Good News in today's world effectively, and to engage in dialogue with people of other faiths and none."

If you would like further information about the link or advice on how to establish twinning arrangements, please contact Revd Pat Mossop, Emmanuel's incumbent (pat.mos@btinternet.com ) or Philip Banks (pbanks@chelmsford.anglican.org ).

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