Durham Cathedral is going to be hosting a special time of 24/7 prayer to coincide with the final interviews for the next Bishop of Durham.
From 8.30am on Tuesday 26 to 8.30am on Wednesday 27 November the Shrine of St Cuthbert, at the heart of Durham Cathedral, will welcome people from across the Diocese to come and pray for the movement of the Holy Spirit to be with the appointment panel and the candidates as the process of discerning the next Bishop of Durham reaches its conclusion.
Members of the Cathedral’s Chapter and Bishop’s Leadership Team, together with the Cathedral’s team of Chaplains, have signed up to pray during the 24 hours ensuring there is someone on-site at all times. Resources will be given to support people in their prayers, which will be offered in silence.
The Dean of Durham, the Very Revd Dr Philip Plyming, said, “We are delighted to serve as a focus for prayer for the discernment process of the next Bishop of Durham. Durham Cathedral is called to serve the Diocese as a centre of prayer, and I believe God delights when we offer our own prayers for the future in faith, trust and hope. I encourage people to come to the Cathedral and pray for our Lord to lead us.”
The Acting Bishop of Durham and Bishop of Jarrow, the Rt Revd Sarah Clark, said, “Please come and join us in prayer at whatever time of day or night you can. Come and pray in your cathedral for your next Bishop. If coming to Durham isn’t possible then please join us in prayer at home or in church at whatever time of day or night you can. It is such a gift to be able to tell our hearts to God in prayer at this special time.”
The Cathedral will be accessible between 8.30am and 6.30pm via the usual public entrances. After 6.30pm visitors will need to arrive via the College (the cathedral close on the south side) and report to the Porters Lodge. After 10.30pm, the College Gate will be closed and visitors will need to knock on the porters' window (on the right of the red gate) to gain admittance. During the time after 6.30pm visitors are asked to arrive on the hour or half hour to facilitate being shown into the Cathedral. Those under 18 will need to be accompanied by an adult.
For more information about the process and the appointment panel please see the Vacancy in See webpage.