Bishop of Thetford champions charity fundraisers

The Bishop of Thetford has praised a fundraising project in support of Norfolk and Waveney homelessness charity Emmaus for helping inspire society to find spirituality in everyday acts.

Ahead of the 450-mile Walk of Kindness being taken on by some of the charity’s residents and Emmaus CEO, Cecile Roberts, the Bishop of Thetford, the Rt Rev Ian Bishop, visited the group to pass on his best wishes.
 
The route follows the Via Beata pilgrimage trail between the Welsh city of St David’s and the charity’s base in Ditchingham, South Norfolk, with Emmaus aiming to raise vital funds and awareness for the increasing number of people facing poverty, isolation, housing insecurity, and homelessness.
 
Speaking of his admiration for the fundraising project, Bishop Ian said: “The Via Beata as a project taps into something that’s really important in the nation at the moment. The whole idea of spiritual journeys and pilgrimage is something that I think has touched a lot of people who wouldn’t perhaps call themselves Christian, but actually can see in the journey of walking – looking around, spending time in nature, spending time with other people in conversation, discovering community – those are things that a lot of people realise we’ve lost a bit in our society.
 
“So I think what they’re doing is perhaps signposting everybody in the nation to something they might find helpful, something that takes them closer to something spiritual. Dare I say it, closer to God.”
 
Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney CEO Cecile Roberts said: “It was lovely to see Bishop Ian and great for him to spend time with the companions who are going on the Walk of Kindness. We really appreciate his good wishes for the journey and are looking forward to seeing him again when he joins the last leg on October 10th, world homeless day.”
 
Chloe, Carlton, Jagger, Peter, and Cecile set off on Monday August 26. Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney is inviting supporters to sponsor those taking part in the 450-mile journey, with donations of just 1p per mile helping to make a difference.
 
Find out more and sponsor the team here: emmaus.org.uk/norfolk-waveney
 
Read more about the Walk of Kindness on Network Norfolk
 
 
image shows Bishop Ian with companions Jagger, Chloe, Carlton, CEO Cecile Roberts and Walk supporter Lorie Lain-Rogers courtesy of the Diocese of Norwich