Letter in Church Times

From Mr David Styles

Sir, — I have recently taken on a new communications post within the diocese of Norwich, after stints in Westminster and a range of journalistic and public-relations positions.

While attending the licensing ceremony of my colleague the Revd Richard Lamey, whom the Bishop of Norwich has now formally installed as our Diocesan Director of Mission and Ministry, I was struck by the unparalleled support routinely evident between peers past and present.

On an unseasonably mild Sunday afternoon, the pews of Norwich Cathedral were populated not only by ever-present members of the congregation alongside Richard’s new colleagues keen to welcome him, but by dozens of unfamiliar, smiling faces.

Such is the affection of those who have come to know Canon Lamey during his time as Rector of St Paul’s, Wokingham, a large contingent had undertaken a round trip of more than 300 miles.

In most political or media circles this nurturing culture is seldom seen. While the abundance of such acts may thankfully not seem unusual to many Church Times readers, I shall endeavour to maintain a full appreciation of just how uniquely brilliant such gestures are — and hope that others can also overlook humdrum gripes to focus instead on the unfettered joy of community intrinsic to working and praying in today’s Church of England.

DAVID STYLES