Edinburgh Cathedral hosts Anna Chaplaincy as part of ‘The Big Story’
Updated: Jun 15
Our church lead, Debbie Ducille, enjoyed meeting people in Edinburgh recently and spreading news of Anna Chaplaincy.
Debbie had the pleasure of accepting an invitation from our friend and ally, Faith in Older People, director Maureen O’Neill, last weekend.
It involved coleading a workshop as part of the Scottish Episcopal Church’s diocesan gathering in Edinburgh Cathedral on Saturday 3 June. On a glorious, sunny day, more than 130 people gathered at the cathedral alongside Bishop John Armes and diocesan staff to celebrate ‘The Big Story’, showcasing their parish activities and participating in various workshops and shared worship.
Debbie and Maureen led two, 40-minute workshops entitled, ‘Anna’s story: Ageing well and how the church can help’, offering an interactive, discursive space with some 20 people attending each session.
‘There was a very positive, lively atmosphere in the cathedral throughout the day’, Debbie reflected. ‘Those who attended our workshop were keen to hear more and often involved in ministry amongst older people already in creative, hospitable ways. Many knew of BRF through our Bible reading notes, and were glad to hear more about Faith in Older People and BRF’s wider ministries.’
With only one Anna Chaplain and another network member in an equivalent role in the whole of Scotland so far, Maureen and the national Anna Chaplaincy team are keen to see Anna Chaplaincy embraced as a practical model of ministry amongst older people in the country. ‘Please pray that God’s calling would stir people to action and that we would see a grassroots movement of Anna Chaplaincy start here,’ said Debbie.