Message from the Bishop of Whitby, October 2006

Goth Eucharist to be celebrated at 6pm in St Mary's Church Whitby Saturday 28th October 2006

Whitby is one of the nation's special places and the Church, along with the community offers a welcome and hospitality to many individuals, organisations and interest groups. Father David Smith, Rector of Whitby, together with his congregation, make the thousands who visit St Mary's Church most welcolme.

Those of the Goth Community are regularly part of the Whitby life and scene. The Goth Eucharist is well established in Cambridge and the visit of members to Whitby and to St Mary's Church is an important expression of their work and witness to the Christian Faith.

Christians are challenged to live and witness to their Faith in all parts of their lives and in every place. I am impressed that those of the the Goth Eucharist are working out this challenge; going where only few of the Church venture and seeking an expression of the Christian gospel in terms that are distinct and new.

I welcolme members of the Goth Eucharist to Whitby as being among the Fresh Expressions found within the life of our Church. My prayer is that their work and visit to Whitby may be Blessed by God as they worship in this place where the saints have trod before us.

+Robert Whitby