Industrial mission reveals future plans

The Norfolk & Waveney Industrial Mission has reviewed and renewed its role, agreed a new management team and leader and plans to recruit more lay and ordained industrial chaplains.

 

In the Mission’s Annual Report, the Bishop of Lynn, James Langstaff, said: “The honest truth is that, through nobody’s design or fault, the Norfolk and Waveney team has in recent years been rather left to get on with things on their own and with relatively little reference back to the ecumenical structures.”

 

A consequent review over the last year has re-affirmed Norfolk and Waveney Industrial Mission as the churches’ principal arm for engaging with industry, commerce and economic life across the Norfolk and Waveney area.

 

“It was also agreed that we would re-establish a management committee on behalf of the ecumenical church leaders,” said Bishop James. “We also hope to continue to recruit lay and ordained chaplains for specific pieces of work and to encourage those already doing this kind of work to become part of the NWIM network.”

 

“We have invited Rev Chris Warner to become the new Team Leader and the consequent redefinition of his role is in the process of being negotiated with his own denomination.

 

“This area of work has already moved a great deal in its thinking both nationally and locally. Many people’s image of industrial mission may well still be of pastoral chaplaincy to industrial enterprises employing lots of people on one site,” said Bishop James.

 

“But things have changed: the work now encompasses pastoral mission and ministry in many kinds of workplaces as well as community development around economic and employment issues. Opportunities for pastoral ministry abound in such settings, often with people who might have little or no contact with a local congregation; there is also the opportunity to bear witness to Christian values and insights in relation to issues and concerns in the economic and public life of our communities.

 

“All this is a vital aspect of the Church’s calling and it is good that we are putting in place the structures for this work to continue and develop in the coming years.”

 

The Annual Report also includes reports on industrial chaplains’ work at Asda, the Castle Mall in Norwich, Norfolk County Hall, British Sugar at Cantley and the Yarmouth Port.