Archbishop visits county for anniversary

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dame Sarah Mullally, has visited Shropshire as part of celebrations marking the 1,350th anniversary of the Hereford Diocese.

Dame Sarah spent time meeting communities across the county on Sunday, alongside the Bishop of Hereford, the Right Reverend Richard Jackson.

Her visit included a stop at a farm in Adforton, where she met members of the farming community.

She also attended celebrations for lay ministry at St Lawrence's Church in Ludlow, witnessed 40 baptisms and confirmations, and visited youth hubs in Leominster.

Bishop Richard said the visit offered an opportunity to showcase the work of the diocese and the communities it served.

He also highlighted the area's rich heritage, including its historic church buildings.

"We're the smallest diocese in the Church of England, but it's a big year for us," he said.

"Our diocese is older than England, and so to have Archbishop Sarah come and visit us and just to get a bit of a feel of what goes on here has been absolutely fantastic."

Dame Sarah, who became the first female Archbishop of Canterbury, also reflected on the significance of her role and whether it could inspire young people to consider leadership positions.

"I think it's important for young people to see people who are like themselves in roles, because then they believe that they can go through that door as well," she said.

Dame Sarah said churches should provide places of welcome and hospitality for everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.

"I've seen the way in which churches bring a whole series of different people together that might not normally meet, and that's both ages as well as backgrounds and beliefs," she added.

"I would want to encourage churches to be that place of hospitality."

The Archbishop's visit to the diocese continued in Herefordshire, where her planned engagements included a hospital visit, leading a service at a rural church, visiting an army regiment and attending an anniversary service at Hereford Cathedral.

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