Bishop starts pilgrimage around Devon
The new Bishop of Exeter began his prayer pilgrimage around the county in Plymouth this week, with a visit to St Aubyn Church, which also houses Devonport library and a café.
The Rt Revd Robert Atwell is to be installed as the 71st Bishop of Exeter on 5 July at the Cathedral, and everyone is welcome to the service by 2pm. He is spending the days before the installation getting to know the diocese, listening to people’s concerns and offering to pray for them.
The café at St Aubyn’s is run by the social enterprise company, Trading Routes, which supports community projects working with children, young people and families.
Bishop Robert praised the work of the café, and the outreach from the church led by Revd Tim Woods. “The work in St Aubyn’s is building bridges between the church and the community.
“Trading routes café is a wonderful example of how this community is providing hospitality and in an area of Plymouth where there is much loneliness and deprivation, it is bringing people together.”
He went onto visit Devonport Guildhall, home to Rio a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of communities and young people across the South West, where he found “great warmth and friendship”.
He stopped off at Mount Wise community primary school, where he said he was impressed by the leadership team which was “giving hope and fresh impetus to local families and helping children reach their full potential.”
He also met and prayed with naval chaplains at the Devonport Naval Dockyard.
Bishop Robert was also handing out a special prayer card and asking for their prayers too, as he begins his work as Bishop.
Bishop Robert said: “The church isn’t buildings, its people. And getting out and about in Devon and meeting people is my priority. It will be a privilege to hear their concerns and bring them to God in prayer.”
Bishop Robert will now make his way up to North Devon, to walk some of the coastal path, stay at Lee Abbey, and spend time in Ilfracombe and at the children’s hospice, Little Bridge House.
