Archbishop of Canterbury makes pastoral visit to the Diocese of Leicester

The Archbishop of Canterbury visited the Diocese of Leicester to meet and pray with churches across the diocese, as it celebrated its centenary.

 

In her third pastoral visit to a Church of England diocese since her Installation, Archbishop Sarah met with school children, hospital patients, chaplains and congregations across Leicester and rural Leicestershire. 

Speaking during the visit, Archbishop Sarah said, “It has been good to spend time with my fellow bishops Martyn and Saju, with clergy, lay leaders and congregations here in the Diocese. Thank you, Bishop Martyn, for your welcome and hospitality. It has been good to spend time with you, the people of God, in worship and prayer, and to hear how God’s Spirit is moving in people’s lives. To see how God is transforming communities through the ministry of the church and the lives of God’s people.” 

 

On Saturday morning, the Archbishop visited Sheepy Magna Church of England Primary School, where local parishioners shared the story of Creation with schoolchildren and their parents. Afterwards, Archbishop Sarah walked to All Saints Church, where more than 70 people gathered for the church’s monthly brunch. She prayed with the group, offering a blessing, and visited the bell tower to talk with the ringers. 

In the afternoon the Archbishop met with members of the ‘Chatting Faith’ group, a group of young women from different faith backgrounds, for a discussion about leadership and bridge-building amidst adversity and difference. Later on, Archbishop Sarah visited the Leicester Royal Infirmary where she met with the Trust’s chaplaincy team and volunteer chaplains. She also met with patients and their families, and spoke nurses and frontline staff about their work. 

 

In the evening, the Archbishop preached at Leicester Cathedral for their Choral Evensong service, with readings from Deuteronomy 29.2-5, Psalm 24 and 2 Timothy 3.10. 

Concluding the first day of her visit, Archbishop Sarah travelled to St Andrew’s Church, Jarrom Street, to pray and offer pastoral support to the staff after a fire caused severe damage to the church building in July this year. 

 

On Sunday, the Archbishop met with the ‘Muddy Saints’, a group of children and young people who gather in a wild garden next to All Saints Church Loughborough to worship through tie-dying, bubble making and bible reading. Afterwards, Archbishop Sarah preached at All Saints Church, celebrating a service of Creationtide Holy Communion.