THE Bishop of Crediton, Dame Sarah Mullally will make a three-day visit to South Molton and the surrounding area this weekend to talk about the new vision for the Church of England in Devon.

Bishop Sarah will kick off her stay with a visit to the Amber Project in Chawleigh, which helps disadvantaged young people build self-confidence and gain skills to help them find work.

She will then tour businesses on the Pathfields Estate in South Molton before meeting churchgoers for worship and a discussion about the new direction for the diocese, which commits people to pray, to grow and to serve the people of Devon with joy.

She will join stallholders and shoppers at South Molton Market tomorrow, Saturday, July 30 and go to the flower and produce show at Bishop’s Nympton in the afternoon.

On Sunday, she will go on a two-hour pilgrimage around the area before attending a joint service for all churchgoers in the area in Bishop’s Nympton Parish Hall.

Rev Adrian Wells, vicar of the Little Dart team of churches, said clergy and the wider church communities were looking forward to spending time with Bishop Sarah, and showing her around the area.

Bishop Sarah said: “Over the next few days I am looking forward to meeting the people of the South Molton Deanery, both the churches and the communities. I hope we can share our stories, those of hope and those which challenge.  Together we can give thanks for the many blessing and encourage one another.”

Bishop Robert, the Bishop of Exeter, launched the new vision this spring.

He and the Bishop of Plymouth, Nick McKinnel and Bishop Sarah are spending the year visiting parishes to talk with people about the priorities to grow the Church in Devon, and to serve the community.

Bishop Robert has produced a short film outlining the vision which can be seen on the diocesan website: www.exeter.anglican.org .

Alan Quick