London goes to Liverpool

The Bishops of Liverpool and London

08/10/08

London’s Senior Staff visited the Diocese of Liverpool to compare notes on city mission and ministry.

The Senior Staff of the Diocese have a residential meeting every year. This year, rather than staying in a retreat house, they decided to go to the City of Liverpool to meet with the Senior Staff of that diocese and to reflect on a variety of issues that are common to both dioceses.

Arriving on Monday 30 September, Mike Eastwood, Diocesan Secretary for Liverpool, presented the main facts and figures about Liverpool and highlighted the significant issues facing Liverpool.

For Evensong, the Senior Staff visited Liverpool Parish Church and were greeted by the Vicar, the Revd Stephen Mason and his Assistant Vicar, the Revd Rob Mackley. This church became the spiritual home for the whole of the Residential for daily worship.

On Tuesday, after an introductory session at the Parish Church on its ministry and the pioneer ministry at St James Toxteth, the Senior Staff went on a coach tour through the city ending with a visit to Norris Green, to hear a powerful account of ministry in one of the poorest parts of the country.

In the afternoon, at the Diocesan Offices, the former Chairman of the Regional Development authority spoke of the role of faith in regeneration. Prior to Evensong in the Cathedral, the Dean explained the Cathedral’s work in the city.

At the end of the Residential, both diocesan bishops said how they hoped it was just the beginning of a fruitful ongoing relationship between the dioceses.

View more images from the Senior Staff Residential.