The Archbishop of Canterbury visits South Shropshire during historic anniversary year

As the Diocese of Hereford celebrates its 1,350th anniversary, the Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Mrs Anna Turner, was delighted to welcome the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, to South Shropshire.

Archbishop Sarah’s visit was a significant occasion, recognising the contribution that parishes in South Shropshire make to the life of the Diocese.    Covering 1,660 square miles and serving 406 churches, the Diocese is one of the most rural and sparsely populated in the country,  serving churches and communities across Herefordshire and parts of Shropshire with a rich shared heritage and historic links to Hereford Cathedral.

Together with the Bishop of Hereford, the Rt Revd Richard Jackson,  Archbishop Sarah began her day in South Shropshire at Affcot, a hamlet near Craven Arms.  Here she joined the Butty Van, a monthly get-together enjoyed by farmers and agricultural workers from remote rural communities.   Supported by the Borderlands Chaplaincy team and the Methodist Church, the Butty Van visits different locations throughout the region, where volunteers provide sausage and bacon butties, home-made cakes and hot drinks, along with an opportunity to catch up, share news and talk through concerns.

The Archbishop then travelled to St Laurence’s Church in Ludlow, where she and Bishop Richard took part in a Service of Celebration of Lay Ministry.   In a largely rural diocese, lay ministers and readers make a valuable contribution to the life of local churches, working alongside clergy to lead worship, offer pastoral support and maintain strong links with their communities.  Following the admission and licensing of two new readers – Jane Ayres for Shropshire and Keith Pearson for Herefordshire – Archbishop Sarah gave Words of Encouragement, emphasising the value and contribution of all lay ministers and readers. She addressed those present saying:  

“Your ministry is a gift. Never underestimate the impact that you have on people’s lives, on the church and the community.”

The Lord-Lieutenant and her husband attended the service, accompanied by Mrs Katherine Garnier DL, a trustee of the Hereford Cathedral Perpetual Trust. Reflecting on the Archbishop’s time in Ludlow, Mrs Turner said:

“I have little doubt the Archbishop of Canterbury had an extremely busy diary, but what an honour that she found time during her visit to the Hereford Diocese to visit St Laurence’s Church, Ludlow, and recognise the value of Lay Ministry. She spoke off the cuff, without hesitation, and told the large congregation how important it is for churches to be places of hospitality in all the rural areas.”

In the afternoon, Archbishop Sarah and Bishop Richard returned to St Laurence’s for a joyful Service of Baptism and Confirmation, baptising three people and confirming 40 confirmands of all ages. 

At the end of her visit, Archbishop Sarah said she had been struck by the faithful service she witnessed in South Shropshire, from the farming community at Affcot to lay ministry and the celebrations in Ludlow. She also acknowledged the challenges facing farming communities, saying:

“Our clergy, lay leaders, and agricultural chaplains are on the frontline of the pastoral response to challenges facing farming communities, from loneliness and isolation to the effects of climate change and increasing costs.”

Bishop Richard welcomed the anniversary year as an opportunity to showcase the Diocese’s work and its distinctive rural communities, while fostering greater understanding of the difficulties they face. He also drew attention to the area’s remarkable heritage, its many historic churches and church buildings.  “We’re the smallest diocese in the Church of England, but it’s a big year for us,” he said. “Our diocese is older than England, and so to have Archbishop Sarah come and visit us and just to get a bit of a feel of what goes on here has been absolutely fantastic.”

The Archbishop’s day shone a welcome spotlight on South Shropshire and the many people whose commitment, practical support and community spirit help rural communities to thrive.      

Photo credit: Neil Turner / Lambeth Palace