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Handover of statue shows true Christian unity - 24/1/11

During the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, members of two parishes have worked together to show Christian unity in a practical way.

Cllr Sarah Bevan noticed that a statue of the Virgin Mary and child was no longer in use at her local parish church. She approached Rev Matthew Street, asking whether the statue could be transferred to a Catholic parish where it would be venerated in accordance with the beliefs of many of her fellow Catholics.

After 18 months of negotiation with the Diocese of Bath and Wells, Rev Street got the go-ahead for the transfer, which was formalised last Saturday during the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity at the church of Saints Peter and Paul, Combe Down.

Cllr Bevan said:

'I am so pleased with the end result of our joint venture. I would like to express my gratitude to the Ecumenical Society of the Blessed Virgin Mary, which has received the statue for veneration and safe keeping until a permanent home can be found. In the words of the Society, Mary is for everyone, and this transfer symbolises this and the spirit of cooperation it seeks to promote.'

Fr Bill and Rev Matthew Street both officiated at the service (pictured above with Sarah), and Cllr Bevan expressed the meaning for her and the wider community of the handover in her address to the congregation.

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