Bishops reflect and offer hope in new year messages
Bishops across the Diocese of Worcester have offered messages of hope ahead of a new year.
The Bishop of Worcester Dr John Inge and Bishop of Dudley Martin Gorick have both spoken of standing together and of having hope despite the difficulties of the year just gone.
Bishop Inge spoke about 2020 and how, like many people, he would be relieved to see it come to an end and hoped that good would come out of the untold suffering of the year in 2021.
He also said, as a Christian, he believes in a God who brings good out of bad, and spoke about how precious the NHS was, having needed its care before Christmas.
He said: "Before Christmas I broke my leg badly whilst cycling and the wonderful care I received during my week as an inpatient at the Alex in Redditch reminded me again of what an invaluable thing the NHS is.
"I give heartfelt thanks to those who devote themselves to it."
"I pray that out of the ruins of 2020 there will emerge in 2021 a better society characterised by that sort of care."
Bishop Gorick reflected on new year's celebrations 12 months ago and how it seemed a different world to 2020, also reflecting on the difficult and complicated year.
He said: "If ever we needed a Happy New Year this is it and I wish I could say everything will be wonderful from now, but I can’t.
"We still don’t know what Brexit will mean and Covid is still with us though we do now have vaccines, thank God, and they will roll out this year.
"The old and vulnerable will soon be safer, and all of us can dream of a life when we can meet and gather together once more."
Bishop Gorick also spoke about the 'As One' campaign in Dudley, which aims to work towards a land without food poverty and where people can live free and fulfilled lives.
