Norwich bishop swaps pulpit for catwalk

The Rt Revd Peter Fox, honorary assistant bishop in the Anglican diocese of Norwich, will join half a dozen fellow ministers for a special presentation of clerical clothing, including his wife's designs.

Clergy on the Catwalk takes place as part of the Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE) in Peterborough on February 24 where a variety of formal and informal ecclestiastical clothing will be on display.

Among a variety of items, Peter will wear a green cope with a Tree of Life design on the back, with matching mitre [pictured right] made by his seamstress wife, Angie.

"Design ideas usually come to me during worship," she explained. "I wouldn’t like to admit how much designing goes on during my husband's sermons!"

Peter is currently vicar in Lakenham and Tuckswood, Norwich. He and Angie previously spent several years in Papua new Guinea. Peter said, "The church buildings there were very simple with palm roofs and pillars of timber rough-hewn from the jungle. The priest's vestments helped to dress the sanctuary, bringing colour and symbolism to worship."
 

Joining Bishop Peter on the catwalk will be Rev Tim Yau, assistant curate at St. Mary’s Church Farcet, a Cambridgeshire village. Tim said, "The most practical side of vestments is that they cover a multitude of sins: crumpled shirts, gravy stains, body warmers and fleeces in a cold snap!"
  

Often dubbed the 'ideal church show', CRE (Thur 24 - Sat 26 Feb) will feature up to 150 charities, missions and church suppliers displaying everything from specialised church heating systems to evangelistic puppets. Open to the general public, some 4000 visitors will pour through the doors of the Exec, Peterborough.

More than 30 practical seminars and workshops will cover subjects like the Church and the 2012 Games to support for home group and small group leaders. Speakers include the Bishop of Peterborough, the Rt Rev Donald Allister. A full programme of arts and media will include presentations by Saltmine and Riding Lights Theatre Companies. 

Click here for more details of the exhibition, including a special 25% discount to Network Norfolk readers.