Joyful ecumenical gathering on the Feast of Christ the King
Christians gathered for the annual ecumenical celebration of unity hosted by Churches Together in Norfolk and Waveney (NWCT) on Sunday 23 November in Norwich - Dr Ian Watson reports.
On the Feast Day of Christ the King, NWCT holds its annual service to bring together Christians across traditions to celebrate the Kingship of Christ and the unity to which He calls His Church. Last year it was hosted by Norwich’s Anglian Cathedral. This year it was held in the Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist as part of Solemn Vespers.
The Rt Rev Peter Collins, Roman Catholic Bishop of East Anglia, offered a warm and gracious welcome to all who gathered for this annual ecumenical service, which is a sign of the unity that Christians long and pray for. His words reminded us (all from different denominations) of the ancient Christian practice of sanctifying each day through the Liturgy of the Hours, emphasising that Vespers (Evening Prayer) has always been a communal act to draw the people of God together in praise and thanksgiving.
Music for the service was led by the Schola Cantorum of the Cathedral, whose chanting of the psalms, antiphons, and the Magnificat lifted our hearts to Heaven in such a beautiful way. The congregation joined in by singing the hymns, which included The Church’s One Foundation, a fitting reminder that despite our denominational differences, Christians share one Lord, one faith, one baptism, and one hope.
The Feast of Christ the King was deliberately chosen by NWCT as the backdrop for this annual ecumenical gathering. Instituted in 1925 by Pope Pius XI, it proclaims the universal lordship of Christ, a kingship not marked by domination but by service, mercy, and sacrificial love. For Christian unity, this feast is especially meaningful as true unity can only be found by focusing all things on Christ - the true King who draws all peoples to Himself. His kingdom is one of love, truth, justice, reconciliation, and peace, making the feast day the perfect moment for all Christians to renew their shared ecumenical commitment.
The Scripture reading from 1 Corinthians 15:25-28 was given by the Baptist Rev David Mayne. In this passage it proclaimed Christ as the One who brings all things into harmony: “so that God may be all in all.” This vision of restored unity echoed powerfully in the prayers that followed, one of the most moving elements of the entire celebration.
The prayers for unity were led by leaders from several traditions, each giving voice to a shared longing for deeper fellowship.
Rev David Mayne (Baptist) prayed that God would draw his people together in justice and mercy, emphasising that unity is not something Christians achieve alone but a gift of the Holy Spirit.
Rev Helen Hollands (Methodist) prayed for courage, compassion, and healing, asking that divisions may be overcome through Christ’s love.
Major Jenny Barwise (Salvation Army) invoked the Spirit of Unity to remove the wounds of history and awaken a hunger for righteousness among all believers.
Dr Ian Watson (the County Ecumenical Officer and a Catholic) prayed that Christ the True Light would guide the churches in Norfolk and Waveney to walk together more closely, glorifying God: “with one heart and one voice.”
After each prayer, the congregation responded: “Jesus, Lord of the Church, in your mercy, hear us.” These intercessions formed a heartfelt moment of shared commitment to Christian unity.
The address was given by Rt Rev Graham Usher, Anglican Bishop of Norwich, who reflected on the call to visible unity in Christ and the Kingdom of God. In a challenging sermon he focused on speaking out against those things that divide society, he reminded all Christians that Christ reigns as a shepherd, healer, and reconciler. His words inspired renewed resolve for all disciples to continue growing in partnership, trust, and shared mission in speaking out against injustice, and against those who look to divide, rather than bringing people together for the common good.
The high point of the service was the chanting of the Magnificat, Mary’s hymn of praise, sung with the feast-day antiphon: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, says the Lord.”
A final blessing from Bishop Peter sent the congregation out to live and be a witness to unity through Christ’s love in our daily lives. The service ended by singing the uplifting hymn Now Thank We All Our God.
The service was positively received. It was enjoyed by all those attending, some of whom had come as far Peterborough! Afterwards, many of the congregation met for refreshments and fellowship in the Cathedral Narthex. There was joy and also appreciation for the blessing of bringing Christians from different churches together for prayer and worship as brothers and sisters in Christ. We renewed old friendships, made new ones, and we are all looking forward to next year, when the service will be hosted by the Methodists on Sunday 22 November 2026.
NWCT Church Leaders Present
– Rt Rev Peter Collins (Roman Catholic)
– Rt Rev Graham Usher (Church of England)
– Rev Helen Hollands (Methodist)
– Major Jenny Barwise (Salvation Army)
– Liz Hoffbauer (Religious Society of Friends)
– Rev David Mayne (Baptist)
Why Christ the King?
The Feast of Christ the King was established in 1925 to remind the world that Christ reigns above every earthly division. His Kingdom is one of peace, justice, and unity. This makes the feast a perfect moment each year for Churches Together in Norfolk and Waveney to gather, pray, and recommit themselves to the unity for which Christ himself prayed.
For a copy of the Order of Service click here
For a copy of the photos taken by Keith Morris from the service click here
Article by Dr Ian Watson, County Ecumenical Officer
Photos courtesy of Keith Morris, Network Norfolk. From top: NWCT banner; Bishop Peter; Bishop Graham; Church Leaders, other ministers, DEOs, and the County Ecumenical Officer.