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HomeArrow NewsArrow New Norwich bishop’s first visit is to homeless charity St Martins

New Norwich bishop’s first visit is to homeless charity St Martins

On Friday May 3rd Downing Street announced that the Rt Revd Graham Usher will become the 72nd Bishop of Norwich. After the press announcement, Bishop Graham headed straight to St Martins where he met the charity’s CEO Dr Jan Sheldon along with some of the people supported by  St Martins, team members and volunteers.

Bishop Graham heard about the range of services offered by St Martins and asked questions about the homelessness situation in Norwich. Jan explained how the work of St Martins first started over 45 years ago from very humble beginnings in the Bishop’s garage in Cathedral Close and how St Martins developed over the years and still benefits from the support of the Cathedral.

Bishop Graham spoke to Lorraine, Joe and Tim, who have all been supported by St Martins and they spoke about their recent experience of homelessness and how St Martins has made a difference in their lives. All three now volunteer in the Donation Station on Bishopgate, where donated clothing and other items are distributed to homeless people.

Bishop Graham is currently the Bishop of Dudley and will be formally enthroned as Bishop of Norwich in the late Autumn. He said, “I see the role of a bishop as encouraging others to live out their faith in Jesus Christ with a generosity of spirit and compassion, bringing people together to serve their neighbours in partnership with others.”

Kindness, compassion and working together are important values that are put into practice every day at St Martins. As Lorraine said, “They are not trying. They are doing it!”

Pictured: Joe, Lorraine, Jan, Bishop Graham and Rachel Usher

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