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Graham Usher

@bishopnorwich.bsky.social
853 followers 162 following 491 posts

Bishop of Norwich in the Church of England & lead bishop for the environment - seeking life in all its fullness. Born at 325 ppm atmospheric carbon, now at 412. www.dioceseofnorwich.org

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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 4h
A great gathering of young farmers and Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association members for the harvest festival at @norwichcathedral.bsky.social. Amongst soil, produce, honey, fish and bread brought to the altar, it was the pair of boots “as a symbol of those who have lost their lives” that moved me.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 9h
Good to join harvest festival at Hardingham St George, as well as experience Bubble Church. Great outreach to families.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Good as this year’s President to be at a ‘thank you’ to supporters of the Royal Norfolk Show. This year 16,000 school pupils attended 173 trophies awarded 326 volunteer stewards gave their time 710 business exhibitors 1000 years of service by farm workers marked £25M to Norfolk’s economy
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
In Black History Month @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social celebrates the diversity of our communities and contribution of black people. We're blessed by gifted clergy, volunteers and the wonderful African Choir of Norfolk – join them at our racial justice service, St Peter Mancroft Norwich 5pm Sun Oct 4.
The African Choir of Norfolk outside Canterbury Cathedral with the Bishop of NorwichRacial Justice Service at Norwich Cathedral during Black History Month 2025
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Happy International Day of Older People – and thanks to all the older people who give time, skill and wisdom as volunteers in @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social Like Anna and Simeon, recognising the saviour when they saw him as a baby, older people still point towards Jesus and invite all to follow him.
A church service celebrating the work of churchwardens in the Diocese of NorwichLunch club run by St Mary Magdalene Church, Gorleston
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
A day out in some of @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social rural parishes. Visited Weasenham’s two church & met the folk who do so much to care for them. At Gateley and Guist a descendent of Thomas Cook proud to show me the diary entry of the clergyman who baptised him: “The brat kicked up an awful row.”
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 27/09/2026
Good to be with the folk at St Helen’s Costessey for their harvest festival this morning. Many gifts for the Norwich Food Bank.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 26/09/2026
Earlier this week it was good to spend time with the team at Norwich Youth for Christ. It is a privilege to be the charity’s patron and a joy to learn more about their current work.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
A fascinating day meeting some of the incredible Church Commissioners’ tenant farmers around Ely. Learnt much about bringing land forward for housing, soil health, issues of water and labour shortages, and leeks being grown for Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Morning light @norwichcathedral.bsky.social on my way to the Dean’s monthly breakfast for Norwich’s community and business leaders.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
In 2025 the 140 licensed Lay Ministers in @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social • conducted nearly 2000 Sunday services – some alone and some shared. • preached 1956 sermons. • took 159 funerals. • brought Holy Communion 330 times to people at home / nursing homes. • led over 500 online services. Thank you.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
Good to join the congregation at St Peter’s Neatishead in the Norfolk Broads for their harvest festival, as well as thanksgiving for the restoration of the bell and boundary wall.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 20/09/2026
A very happy morning at St Mary Magdalene’s church, Sandringham, for confirmation.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Great fun to do a duo interview alongside Bristol-based novelist Deborah Tomkins exploring both our books at the wonderful Leiston Book Festival in Suffolk. Her novel ‘The Wilder Path’ is well worth a read.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Tom Denny’s The Prodigal Son Christchurch Cathedral Oxford
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
Loved an afternoon workshop during the College of Bishops in the Tudor drawing room at Christchurch. Scrolling and flicking on our phones is disabling us from the ability to pay close attention.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
A wonderful celebration of licensed lay ministry on @norwichcathedral.bsky.social this morning with an excellent sermon by Helen Grogutt. So good to have 6 new LLMs serving @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social and to welcome 3 others who have moved to Norfolk.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 19/09/2026
College of Bishops last week in Oxford exploring AI with leading thinkers, legislators and theologians, including Cardinal Czerny - “Artificial intelligence is like many human inventions. A potential for good and for evil. We need to learn how to use it in a way that contributes to the human good.”
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Diocese of Norwich @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Join us in Holt on 10 October for an afternoon exploring biodiversity, conservation and caring for churchyards, with keynote speaker @bishopnorwich.bsky.social and the presentation of the inaugural Norfolk Churches Trust Churchyard Conservation Award. Book your free place: dofn.org/sacred-spaces
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
A wonderful confirmation at St Anne’s Earlham this morning - an incredible group with very powerful testimonies about finding Jesus - or realising that Jesus had never let them go - and the movement of God’s love in their lives.
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Diocese of Norwich @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social · 13/09/2026
We are delighted to announce that Revd Christopher Bunce has accepted the Bishop of Norwich’s invitation to become the next Archdeacon of Norfolk. Chris is currently Team Rector of the Hitchin Team Ministry and Vicar of St Mary’s Hitchin. Read more: www.dioceseofnorwich.org/news-and-eve...
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
And this is what the robotic surgery looks like @nnuh.bsky.social Such skill, but no hand tremors.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 12/09/2026
Fascinating visit to the robotic operating theatre @nnuh.bsky.social and to celebrate the opening of the Robotic Institute, The competition results for the naming of two robots: ‘Curiosity’ (Horsford CofE Primary) and ‘Renew’ (Norwich School).
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Much relieved about the vote in the Commons not to proceed with the Terminally Ill (End of Life) Bill. In the Lords I heard many speakers voice concerns about the Bill’s inadequate safeguards for the most vulnerable in society. Now the debate needs to move on to properly funding palliative care.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
Thanks so much to all who came to Bishop's House Garden open afternoons and helped raise more than £25,000 for local charities Big C, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, the Magdalene Group, Community Chaplaincy Norfolk, the National Garden Scheme, St John Ambulance, Norwich Door to Door and Vision Norfolk.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
A good day joining members of the Parish Support Team on their away day at the Horstead Centre, our outdoor activity and residential centre, and to get out on the river Bure. Some new faces, and many folk to thank for their commitment to supporting our parishes, chaplaincies and schools.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 09/09/2026
Service police face similar risks to civilian police but don't have the same legal protection. As @houseoflords.parliament.uk debated the Armed Forces Bill I asked for them to get the status of emergency worker and be covered by the offence of impersonating a police officer.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Fascinating visit to Menscraft - a Norwich neighbour in Bishopsgate - doing vital work helping men and boys in Norfolk & Waveney lead happier, healthier lives and navigate adolescence, fatherhood, retirement and times of stress and crisis. Tried their intriguing conversation-starter task on values.
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Robert Ashton @robertashton.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
We're looking forward to +Graham's session at Leiston Book Festival @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social. Walking in the countryside is one of best ways to restore our connection with nature and our faith. Tickets here: www.dioceseofnorwich.org/bishop-to-ta...
dioceseofnorwich.org
Bishop to talk at book festival - Diocese of Norwich
The Bishop of Norwich is one of the writers taking part in the Leiston Book Festival on Saturday September 19. This year’s festival is themed around weather, walking, the ground […]
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
Very good to license Fr Andrew Bishop as priest in charge of Walsingham, Houghton & The Barshams, and Hempton with Pudding Norton, and share in leading the service with Luke, Bishop of Richborough. Our Lady of Walsingham pray for him.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 06/09/2026
So good to be at Fakenham for the FIRST celebration of the Festival of Creation in Christ. Such a beautiful liturgy with great conversations afterwards.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
Scrutiny of the Armed Forces Bill is continuing in @houseoflords.parliament.uk I asked that accommodation should be of a standard to ensure the wellbeing and retention of servicemen and women. I also spoke on the importance of service police: www.dioceseofnorwich.org/bishop-speak...
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
After wishing the new Prime Minister well and assuring him of the prayers of the Lords Spiritual in @houseoflords.parliament.uk, I asked how the government can rebuild cross-party consensus about the urgent need to take action on climate change. @churchofengland.org @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
I asked whether there is enough protection for the environment and water resources when considering applications for new data centres, during questions in @houseoflords.parliament.uk
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 15/08/2026
www.churchofengland.org/media/news-a...
churchofengland.org
Churches invited to pray for all affected by drought, heatwaves and wildfires | The Church of England
Churches invited to use prayers for times of extreme weather set out in a newly expanded service book, as the UK experiences its fifth heatwave in succession.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 08/08/2026
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Network Norfolk @networknorfolk.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Following violence, disorder and protests during the past few days in Thetford, over asylum seekers being housed in the town, the Bishop of Thetford has called the scenes indefensible and deeply distressing. @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social @ianbishop.bsky.social
networknorwich.co.uk
Bishop says Thetford disorder is indefensible
Following violence, disorder and protests during the past few days in Thetford, over asylum seekers being housed in the town, the Bishop of Thetford has called the scenes indefensible and deeply distr...
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Sad to walk daily by the river Wensum in Norwich and still see a great many dead fish. Last Thursday heavy rain caused surface water drainage systems to flush accumulated toxins, at a time when the river was already suffering from depleted oxygen levels caused by prolonged dry, hot weather.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
So I took my cassock to the dry cleaners this morning. Turns out there was a cassock convention going on! And there was another rail too.
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Network Norfolk @networknorfolk.bsky.social · 02/08/2026
The Bishop of Norwich welcomed more than 300 refugees to his garden for a family garden party, describing it as “one of the of the happiest afternoons of his year”. @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social @bishopnorwich.bsky.social
networknorwich.co.uk
Happiest day with refugees says Norwich bishop
The Bishop of Norwich welcomed more than 300 refugees to his garden for a family garden party, describing it as “one of the of the happiest afternoons of his year”.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 01/08/2026
A July roundup. www.dioceseofnorwich.org/a-joyful-ref...
dioceseofnorwich.org
A joyful refugee garden party, an ancient riverside service, a new festival and pilgrimages. July in the diocese and beyond with Bishop Graham - Diocese of Norwich
Spiritual and spectacular, the annual St Benet’s Day service brought pilgrims, passers-by, tourists and church-goers to beautiful St Benet’s Abbey. For almost 500 years every Bishop of Norwich has als...
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Today, to mark the end of a busy term, the Bishop’s House team had an afternoon out at @sainsburycentre.bsky.social for lunch & a visit to the excellent ‘Loving the Rule: Contemporary meets Medieval’ exhibition. Great to see a C7th copy of Benedict’s Rule, & a C14th portable sundial. Happy day.
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MHCLG Answers @mhclg-answers.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
A question on #DataCentres #NatureConservation tabled by The Lord Bishop of Norwich on 15-07-2026 has been answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage. questions-statements.parliament.uk/…
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DESNZ Answers @desnz-answers.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
A question on #Energy #DataCentres tabled by The Lord Bishop of Norwich on 15-07-2026 has been answered by Baroness Curran. questions-statements.parliament.uk/…
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
It's one of the happiest afternoons of my year - welcoming hundreds of refugees who found sanctuary in Norwich to a family garden party. There's a bring and share lunch, music, crafts and games for children, a chance to chat and relax for adults - and an ice cream van! @dioceseofnorwich.bsky.social
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Privilege to conduct the funeral of Bishop Malcolm Menin, a former bishop of Knaresborough. When appointed, the PM’s Appointment Secretary wrote a few lines of commendation, including “Good man. Fine wife.” Thankfully another saw in him “a man of prayer & holiness in a profound earthly environment.”
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Happy Norfolk Day! Gracious God, we give you thanks for our county of Norfolk. Bless all who live, work, and visit here, and grant us a spirit of joy, unity, and deep gratitude for the place we call home. Amen.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
The Taizé pilgrims arrived back just after 3 this morning tired but having had an incredible time. My penance for coming back on the TGV and Eurostar (for Abbot of St Benet’s duties yesterday) was to have breakfast ready! Roll on the 2027 pilgrimage!
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 26/07/2026
Annual abbatial duty leading an outdoor service at St Benet’s Abbey in the Norfolk Broads - travelling there and back by wherry.
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Graham Usher @bishopnorwich.bsky.social · 25/07/2026
Until late night I listened in the Taizé church to young people from many different countries. It is always such a privileged to share in this ministry of the brothers. So many of those in their teens and 20s need to hear that they are held precious in God’s sight, uniquely and wonderfully made.
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