The heads of Norfolk’s Roman Catholics and Methodists have accepted invitations to become ecumenical canons of Norwich’s Anglican Cathedral.

The Roman Catholic Bishop of East Anglia, the Rt. Revd. Michael Evans, and the Chair of the East Anglia Methodist District, the Revd. Graham Thompson were installed on Sunday April 2, 2006 at an open service in Norwich Cathedral.

The Bishop of Norwich, the Rt Rev Graham James, said: “Today there seems something entirely natural in both making this invitation and the ready and enthusiastic acceptance I have received.

“My colleagues and I don't believe that visible church unity is just around the corner, but all three of us celebrate the significant unity we already share in our common baptism, common scriptures and common creeds.

 

“If by baptism we become members one of another in the Body of Christ then there is a profound unity which already exists. These appointments are both a consequence and a celebration of that truth,” said Bishop Graham.

“It's particularly appropriate that Bishop Michael becomes an ecumenical canon alongside the Chair of the Methodist District since Bishop Michael is a member of the worldwide Roman Catholic/Methodist International Commission. The installation of Graham Thompson is also, in itself, a means of affirming the Anglican/Methodist Covenant.”

 

“Let's fill the Cathedral with our prayers and praise. Let's make it a great celebration of our unity in Christ, a reminder that all Christians have one Lord and one Saviour,” said Bishop Graham.