Bishop vists Glastonbury Festival

Source: Clifton Diocese

The Bishop of Clifton, Right Reverend Declan Lang, visited the Glastonbury Festival at Worthy Farm, Pilton over the weekend. It was Bishop Declan's first visit to the festival although he has been to Glastonbury many times for the Annual Pilgrimage at the Abbey.

Bishop Declan looked round the massive site on Sunday (26 June) as the guest of the Sanctuary Tent which is run by Somerset Churches Together.

Bishop Declan said: "I was delighted to be invited to the Glastonbury Festival. The festival is one of this country's great cultural events and it's wonderful that this part of the world can host it in such style. The festival has always been associated with issues of

social justice and once again it has brought these to the attention of millions. "I enjoyed visiting Glastonbury and experiencing its unique atmosphere."

Two University Chaplains from the Clifton Diocese were at the festival, as they are every year. Fr Robert King from the University of Bristol and Fr Robert Rainbow from the University of the West of England volunteered at the Sanctuary Tent and celebrated Mass during the weekend. In his homily at Mass Father Robert King spoke of the call to discipleship in Christ and the cost of total commitment.

He said: "The levels of dedication to festive spirit of Glastonbury are such that the adversity of flash floods brings people together in creating a sense of community. Discipleship in Christ is sharing each others' joys and sufferings. As enjoyment of Glastonbury means getting involved so does following Christ. By recognising Christ in each other we enter into the spirit of true discipleship and all the happiness and pain that comes with it."