A delegation from Durham have returned from a visit to a link diocese in North East Germany, which they hope will foster relations between churches and schools.
The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham and the Rt Revd Sarah Clark, Bishop of Jarrow were part of the group which spent several days at the Nordkirche, based in Lübeck, 64km from Hamburg.
They visited churches across the city of Lübeck and a school in the coastal town of Wismar, before the trip ended with a joint communion at the stunning Marien-Kirche.
Among the delegation was Revd Kath Long, of the Benefice of the Boldons, who said the trip strengthened links between Durham and the Nordkirche.
“It was a wonderful visit and many friendships and partnerships were made,” said Revd Long. “We hope that the relationship with our Nordkirche friends continues to grow.”
On the Sunday the delegation split into small groups as they headed for different parishes, while the Bishops took part in the service at Lübeck cathedral. Kath recalled how she and the Revd David Lucas, of Darlington, participated in a service attended by local clergy, including Pastor Christofer Klaas and Pastor Wolfgang, where they were given a warm welcome.
Bishop Paul, who was one of the King’s Bishop Assistants during the coronation of King Charles III in May, gave a talk about the occasion. This led into a discussion of the Kingship of Christ. The plight and reception of refugees was another shared conversation, led by Bishop Gothart Magaard of the Nordkirche.
In Wismar, the delegation spent time at the Robert Lansemann school, finding out about its life and work, before meeting the Mayor of Wismar, Thomas Beyer, in the town centre. He talked about the town and the challenges it had faced over the years, which included considerable rebuilding following decades of Communist control by the Russians.
The trip also included a guided tour of Lübeck and the house of Willy Brandt, the late former chancellor of West Germany, as well as a short period of time to enjoy some marzipan shopping.
Revd Kath added: “This was a very memorable and worthwhile visit. We are grateful for the friendship and hospitality we received. The heart of t
his trip was to consolidate relations between the churches and schools in both Durham and the Nordkirche.
“There are not many church schools in Northern Germany. I was surprised to learn that there are so few, but the one we visited is very much steeped in Christian teaching. I hope we can work with our schools in Durham and encourage them to establish links.”
Among those accompanying Revd Kath was the Revd Anita Burke, of Hope Family Church, Washington. Both w
ere ordained as Priests by Bishop Paul at the Petertide Ordinations, in early July, at Durham Cathedral. For these two, David Lucas, and the Revds Tim May and Diane Ryan, this was their first visit to our Nordkirche partners.
“All clergy and parishes are very welcome to express an interest to engage with the partnership for future events," said Revd Kate Boardman, current co-ordinator of the link for Durham Diocese. "Please do contact any of those of us who have been to learn more.”