Bishop of Truro spends 11 days praying and walking in the community
The Bishop of Truro has walked miles across Cornwall through rain, wind and warm sunshine to mark the global prayer event Thy Kingdom Come.
For 11 days The Rt Revd David Williams has been trekking through towns, villages and countryside introducing himself to members of the diocese and the communities.
He first pulled on his walking boots on Thursday, May 29, to walk in Stratton and West Wivelshire deaneries.
Each day he welcomed all to walk alongside him and was delighted to find many people, both young and old, joining him at different points around the county.
Nick Johnson, from St Gregory’s Church in Newquay, said: “It was a joy to join Bishop David as he walked a portion of the Cornish Celtic Way during the week of Thy Kingdom Come.
“We shared a Spirit-filled service at St Piran’s Church in Perranzabuloe before walking to the ancient oratory among the dunes.”
Revd Alison Shaw met the bishop at the Churches Together tent at the Royal Cornwall Show. He had come to commission the show chaplains and the volunteer team.
Revd Shaw said: “He is such a friendly man, a good listener, with a sense of humour and quiet compassion, all of which demonstrated his desire to get to know his diocese and the people within it.”
Revd Nicola Farr, Rector and Pioneer Priest, The Camel-Allen Benefice, said they met the bishop as they walked to all five churches in the Camel-Allen group.
Revd Farr said she heard many comments including ‘we felt honoured Bishop David Williams joined us for the whole day and people were touched he invested his precious time into our benefice in this way’, ‘how warm and engaging’ he was, and ‘how easy’ he was to talk to.
Other comments included ‘a lovely people person’, ‘natural and down to earth’ and ‘just the sort of Bishop we need’.
Lorna Crewes, PCC Secretary, Budock Parish Church, said: “What a lovely day it was for our walk with Bishop David. We started early, 7am at Swanpool Beach with around 35 people and then picked up a few walkers along the way, finishing up with 40 walkers. When we reached Pendennis Point we said prayers and sang together.
“Thank you to Bishop David for coming to meet us and thank you also to Revd Geoffrey
Davis for all his hard work organising everything.”
Revd Andy Boorne, Curate and Local Minister at Kenwyn Parish Church in Truro, said: “That The Rt Revd David Williams would take 11 days out to meet people at the beginning of his time here was appreciated by all who met him. He chatted to everyone, and it made everyone feel valued.”
Keep an eye out for the bishop around Cornwall as he plans to continue travelling around the county meeting as many people as he can.
