Christian denominations renew decades-old pact in Shropshire village
Two Christian denominations have renewed a decades-old pact to work and worship together in a Shropshire village, as they signed an agreement overseen by the Bishop of Hereford.
Parishioners with The Church of England, and those with the United Reformed Church, first agreed to act as one in All Stretton, near Church Stretton, in 1993.
More than two decades on they have renewed their partnership as the Rt Rev Richard Frith, The Bishop of Hereford, visited the village to oversee the signing of a renewed Local Ecumenical Partnership after the previous agreement ran out.
The pact means that the congregation at St. Michael's, All Stretton, are one church again, as it has now been signed by all the relevant church officers.
Rev Richard Hill, rector of the united parish of the Strettons, said: "Particularly since the Rev Hazel Allen, URC minister, came to live in the village, there has been a new lease of life and sense of common vision.
"Hazel leads two home groups, the parent and toddler group at St Laurence's, which includes families from All Stretton, and a prayer time every Friday morning - and she is part of our parish leadership team," he added.
A toilet was recently installed into the church, and the kitchen revamped so the church felt like it had had a makeover in more senses than one, he said.
"All are welcome every Sunday at 10.30am, with worship led by members of the different denominations," he added.
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