Message from Bishop Robert, 10 June 2025

Next Tuesday I have the privilege of admitting new members to the Company of Kyneburga at Evensong in the Cathedral.

The Company of Kyneburga is group of those, predominantly but not exclusively lay, who have served over many years and in many and different ways the life of the Church in this diocese, witnesses to the love of God and God’s care for all people. I know that it will be an immensely moving and encouraging occasion. The stories of those who come to be admitted to the Company tell of dedicated work, so often unseen, that underpins the life of the Church in this Diocese, all of it given with no thought of reward, just the desire to contribute to our common life, to share the love of God and work for the building of the Kingdom, a place where all belong which is marked by justice, mercy and peace.

In a Church and in a world which seems so often fractious this is a reminder of what we are at our best when we put self aside and serve as Jesus serves; what we can be when we stop thinking about ourselves and look out for the needs of others. It’s a reminder also that what we do to serve does not have to be complicated. Rather it is by doing simple, unglamorous things well that we can make the biggest difference. It’s an encouragement to all of us to be confident in what we are doing rather than always to worry about those things we simply can’t do.

For both Bishop Rachel, who I know is sad not to be able to be present next week, our service and those admitted during it are such an encouragement, a reminder of the service we see in so many people and places in our visits across the communities of the diocese. It allows us to say thank you to everyone as together we enable the service of the Church.

Thank you for your part in our life, that simple service you give is precious in God’s sight and shares God’s love and it is wonderful to see.