Durham Cathedral Events & Ecumenism

One of the first events I attended when I started this role was the Installation of three new Ecumenical Canons at Durham Cathedral on January 14, 2024. Bishop Paul, as one of his final acts before leaving his role, led this installation of Prof David Wilkinson (former Principal of St John's College), Prof Paul Murray (Director of the Centre for Catholic Studies, Durham Cathedral), and Rev Dr Mark Bonnington (Senior Pastor, King's Church, Durham). We are particularly happy to celebrate the installation of Mark Bonnington who serves as Chair of Trustees for NECAT. You can read more about this event here: https://www.durhamcathedral.co.uk/articles/thirteen-new-canons-installed-at-durham-cathedral

Yesterday, I attended one of Dean Philip Plyming's Vision Meetings for Durham Cathedral. This event was an opportunity for the Dean to share his vision for the Cathedral, centred on Pilgrimage, Prayer and Proclamation as pathways for people to encounter God through the Cathedral. The main goal of the event was for attendees to engage with this vision, giving feedback and challenge, and to share hopes and concerns for the long term future and mission of Durham Cathedral.

I share about both of these events as they represent the ecumenical friendships that have thrived at Durham Cathedral and the importance of recognizing and listening to diverse voices as the Cathedral envisions its future. We, at NECAT, certainly celebrate the hope and possibility of collaboration and partnership with Durham Cathedral as we know that the future of Christian mission and ministry is better served when it is built together in the spirit of unity and friendship.