A service at a Durham Church proved to be a big hit for 22 couples renewing their wedding vows on Sunday 19th February.

The service at St Giles Church, Durham lead by the Bishop of Jarrow, The Right Reverend Mark Bryant was a massive hit with couples renewing their wedding vows thanks to the media attention of one couple taking part.

“This is really important to me. It had taken all our lives to find each other and to have the ring blessed again by the Bishop will mean a lot. It means it will carry all those promises that Dave made on our wedding day.”

The Bishop of Durham will be at five places round the Diocese of Durham during the week leading up to his Installation and Enthronement. At each place Bishop Justin will set up a space in the church for prayer, with different ways to pray, including drawing, writing, silence or reflection with candles and other supports for prayer. There will be comfortable places to sit. The spaces will be open for the four hours with a very brief common prayer for anyone there, led by Justin, every half hour. In most places (but not all) refreshments will be available. Those coming can simply sit and think, or write, or pray, or talk to Justin, or pray with him, as they choose for as long or as short a time as they like.

The Bishop-Designate of Durham, the Very Reverend Justin Welby, provides insights into his beliefs and his approach to his recent appointment in a new film.
 
The Bishop Designate was formally announced on June 2 and the film describes how he is looking forward to bringing about a sense of renewal in the Church of England in the Durham Diocese.
 
During a series of interviews, the current Dean of Liverpool explains what led him to serve God, his views on the task that lies ahead when he formally takes over as Bishop later this year and his approach to some of the more controversial subjects facing the Church.   
He also discusses the way ahead for the diocese during a conversation with Bishop Mark Bryant, of Jarrow, with whom he will be working closely and with whom he has previously worked.
 
Made by Aegies Associates for the Diocese, the film can be viewed on our YouTube page here:


Or Viewed here:

The new Bishop Designate of Durham was announced today – on Ascension Day, one of the most important days in the Christian calendar. The Very Revd Justin Welby is currently Dean of Liverpool where he was appointed in December 2007.