To mark the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, midlands Church leaders will take part in a walk of friendship on Saturday 23 September 2017.
The walk will begin at the midlands hub of the Roman Catholic Church – the Metropolitan Cathedral Church and Basilica of St Chad, Birmingham – and end at the historic mother-church of Mercia, the Anglican Cathedral of St Mary and St Chad, Lichfield.
Protestant Reformation
The St Chad Pilgrimage celebrates the fact that, 500 years on from their cataclysmic division, Catholics and Protestants have resolved many of the doctrinal issues that once separated them and are now, more than ever before, walking, praying and working together in respect, friendship and co-operation. The pilgrimage is open to Christian people of all denominations old and new, as well as to people of goodwill who are in sympathy with its aims and ethos.
It is essential, however, that those who would like to join the walk understand the implications of participation and register to participate.
No responsibility can be taken for those who do not register in advance and by Friday 25 August at the latest.
Details of the route and application procedures:
Church Leaders: walking some or all of the 18 miles between the two Cathedrals will be:
The Most Revd Bernard Longley, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Birmingham
Mgr Timothy Menezes, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Birmingham
The Right Revd Dr Michael Ipgrave, Anglican Bishop of Lichfield
The Right Revd David Urquhart, Anglican Bishop of Birmingham
The Right Revd Anne Hollingshurst, Anglican Bishop of Aston
Revd Rachel Parkinson, Chair of the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District of the Methodist Church
Revd Ian Howarth, Chair of the Birmingham District of the Methodist Church
Revd Adrian Argile, Regional Minister Team Leader for the Heart of England Baptist Association
Revd Steve Faber, Moderator of the West Midlands Synod of the United Reformed Church
Pilgrims will be sent on their way with a blessing by Canon Father Gerry Breen, Dean of St Chad’s Cathedral, and will receive an official welcome upon arrival at Lichfield Cathedral.