A special event to mark ten years of growing Christian unity in Cornwall took place at St Petroc’s Church in Bodmin at the weekend.

Becoming Better Together was a day of celebration as over 80 Christians from across Cornwall came together to re-dedicated themselves to a Covenant first signed in 2013.That day, a decade ago saw church leaders gather at St Petroc’s Church in Bodmin to sign a Declaration of Intent or Letter of Companionship, committing to work more closely together.

On Saturday, the emphasis was on connecting, learning, listening, and envisioning the path for the next ten years. The keynote speaker, Revd Dr Benjamin Aldous from Churches Together England, inspired those present to be curious, to expand their networks and friendships across racial, socioeconomic, class and ecclesiastical divides, discovering the joy of diversity and the value of storytelling as we witness and share the Good News.

In the final act of worship on Saturday those attending presented and declared the Covenant together. The Covenant consists of eight statements which recognise and give thanks for the unity already shared and for the rich diversity and heritage in Cornwall.

Kathy Pope, Churches Together Cornwall Co-ordinator, said: “In the Covenant we also confess that which still divides us and promise to commit and re-dedicate ourselves to share our gifts, serving the people and land of Cornwall, growing in Christ, and therefore becoming better together. A core principle of this approach is that everyone Is invited to sign, equally and inclusively. This is more than an event, rather an ongoing process, with the intention to re-visit it each year during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.”

Kathy added: “After Saturday’s event, the challenge now is to step out in shared faith and common joy, build new relationships, serve our neighbour and care for our common home; in doing all this we will surely become better together.”

Watch the service here