Faith Features

The Diocese of Exeter is marking its 1,100th anniversary in 2009.

Throughout the summer, communities around Devon are all taking part in the festivities.

It culminates on the last weekend of June with a Celebration Day at Exeter Cathedral, attended by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams.

Bishop Michael is travelling the county.

The Bishops of Exeter, Plymouth and Crediton are spending three months visiting every corner of the county.

Along the way, they hope to deepen their knowledge of the issues affecting the diverse communities all over Devon.

They will also be providing a weekly Pause for Thought on BBC Radio Devon's Sunday breakfast show with Pippa Quelch.

In a time of recession, when many families are affected by redundancies, the bishops are spreading the Good News of the Gospels in each parish.

The three bishops are visiting schools, farms, factories and homes. Affordable housing and regeneration schemes are also in focus.

Bob Evens, the Bishop of Crediton.

"This anniversary isn't just a story about churches or the diocese," said the Bishop of Exeter, the Right Reverend Michael Langrish.

"It's a story of Devon.

"The one thing you can find in pretty much every community across the county is a church.

"That church tells the story of the community it serves.

"But the work of service and witness needs to be constantly renewed to relate to changing times and circumstances.

"So, the theme for the whole year is one of pilgrimage, journeying, and renewal."

Bishop John has already led a pilgrimage

The Bishop of Plymouth and the Dean of Exeter Cathedral have already led a pilgrimage that re-traced the steps of Devon's first bishop.

Bishop Eadwulf launched the new diocese, breaking away from Sherborne in 909, and first founding his Cathedral in Crediton. The Cathedral later moved to Exeter.

It was Eadwulf's initial journey from Sherborne to Crediton that was re-enacted by young pilgrims during Holy Week.