Bishop Rose's advisor for Gypsies, Travellers and Roma (GTR), Revd Martin Burrell was pleased to hold two baptisms last month in our diocese for individuals in the English Romani community.
Jimmy Smith was baptised in the River Stour at Fordwich [pictured left], whilst Hezekiah Lee was baptised in Boughton parish church [pictured right].
Speaking about his work, Revd Burrell said: "I am always keen to hear from anyone in the Diocese who is working with these communities.
"Many of our parish churches are approached by local Travellers for baptisms, weddings and funerals."
Revd Burrell works closely with others in the national movement launched by our Archbishop's on Friday 9th June - 'Gypsy, Roma, Traveller Friendly Churches'.
Their key aims are to challenge racism and discrimination in all its forms, train up Chaplains for every diocese in the land, and encourage churches to self-identify as being Gypsy, Roma, Traveller friendly.
If you'd like to find out more about what our diocese is doing with GTR communities, you can contact Revd Burrell by email or phone: 07791536713.