Bishop Terry Drainey joined the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, to lead an ecumenical pilgrimage through the city of York, culminating in a shared service at York Minster to mark the Jubilee Year 2025.
Pilgrims from different Christian traditions and none came together to walk in the spirit of hope, peace and renewal.
Proclaimed by the late Pope Francis under the theme Pilgrims of Hope, this Jubilee invited Christians everywhere to journey together in faith, bearing witness to the unity we share through our baptism in Christ.
Pilgrims gathered at the Minster’s south door to greet Archbishop Stephen and Bishop Terry as they arrived after walking together from the shrine of St Margaret Clitherow, one of York’s great witnesses to the Christian faith.
The pilgrimage then entered the Minster for a special ecumenical service celebrating baptism and the shared calling to walk together in hope and unity.
The service included the renewal of baptismal promises and drew on both Anglican and Catholic liturgies.
As the Apostle Paul reminds us, “We are all one in Christ Jesus. We belong to him through faith, heirs of the promise of the spirit of peace.”
Archbishop Stephen said: “When I met with the late Pope Francis, he encouraged us to walk together, work together and pray together. This opportunity to gather in York Minster is doing just that.
“We are all part of the family of God – sisters and brothers on the way. It was a great joy to be present at Pope Leo’s Installation Mass, and I was greatly encouraged when he expressed his commitment to seeking the reestablishment of full and visible communion among all those who profess the same faith in God the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
“I look forward to this time of prayer, friendship and shared witness as we build stronger bridges across our traditions.”
Bishop Terry added: “In this year when we mark the 1,700th anniversary of the Nicene Creed, it is especially meaningful to stand alongside one another and profess together: This is our faith; this is the faith of the Church, and we are proud to profess it in Christ Jesus Our Lord. Amen.”