The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has visited Ilkeston as part of a tour of the county and Derby City to lead a day of prayers, lending his support to churches and community groups across the Diocese.
Reflecting the diversity of the county, city and region, on 13th April, he arrived at and visited locations in the Chesterfield area, followed by Youlgreave, whilst his stop off in Erewash saw him arrive in Ilkeston Market Place, offering prayers with local people and passers-by from outside St Thomas’s church before heading to Shelton Lock in Derby for a children’s tea party. Finally, the Archbishop travelled into the city to lead prayers at the close of a prayer day taking place in Derby Cathedral.
Speaking ahead of his visit to the region, Archbishop of Canterbury, The Most Reverend and Right Honourable Justin Welby said: “Prayer is not about what we do, but about what God does - we can pray with anyone about anything, in so many different ways. So, I look forward to joining all kinds of people - of any church or faith or no faith background, as we pray around the Diocese of Derby.
“l am excited to see the range of contexts where we shall be meeting to pray. May God bless our time together, so it opens doors to the faith and hope and love our world needs so much at this time.”
Also speaking ahead of the visit, The Bishop of Derby, The Right Reverend Libby Lane: “Every day, I pray for the people of our county and city, for lives to be transformed through growing church and building community. What an encouragement it is to have Archbishop Justin come to share in that work and witness to the good news we share.
“This will be a wonderful day reflecting the rich diversity of our diocese, and offering lots of opportunities to learn to pray. Our churches seek to be a blessing to their local communities, week in and week out. We look forward to Archbishop Justin coming to pray for God’s blessing too for our city and all our towns and villages.”
The Diocese of Derby is committed to living out its vision of the Kingdom of God: good news for all. The visit of the Archbishop of Canterbury reflects the diocese’s aims to deepen relationships with God, serve local contexts, challenge injustice, and make new disciples.
Archbishop Justin Welby makes pastoral visits to several dioceses each year, giving him the chance to witness and encourage their work. This was his first visit to Derbyshire since 2016.
Please visit www.derby.anglican.org