Having been newly appointed after his nomination was accepted by the Queen, the Bishop of Bradwell is determined to get off to a fresh start by promising to create stronger links between faiths in the community.
The Ven John Wraw explained how he and his wife Gillian are looking forward to moving to Essex and working with local people and groups.
Mr Wraw was given a tour of Chelmsford Cathedral on his visit to Essex, and he paid tribute to the communities in Norway as an example of a close-knit community coming together.
He said: “Myself and Gillian are looking forward to working with the community and I would like to thank the Diocese of Chelmsford for their welcome, hospitality and support. “
“We want to build a strong community relationship, as seen with the nation grieving in Norway, especially like those who have lost loved ones. With situations like this, people often ask the question how can we restore the community and towns again? I would like to reassure people this was a terrible act committed in Norway, which is not part of the Christian faith, and I hope to work with all faiths to build a stronger community.”
Mr Wraw was given a tour of Basildon town centre after being welcomed at St Martin’s Church. He also visited St Peter’s Chapel, at Bradwell-on-Sea, and Chelmsford Cathedral.
Next year he will succeed the Rt Rev Dr Laurie Green, who retired last year as the fourth Bishop of Bradwell after joining the diocese in 1993.
He was given a warm welcome by the Rev Margaret Shaw, area Dean of Basildon, and Shirley Jeffery, lay chairman of Basildon Deanery, at St Martin’s. Ms Shaw said: “We are delighted the Ven John Wraw has been appointed and we look forward to working with him.”
