TWO of England’s most senior and influential religious figures had praise for local churches and their laity on separate visits to the city.

The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu and Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor, Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster, both preached in Chester Cathedral during their visits.

At the end of the first day of a two-day visit to Chester Diocese, Dr Sentamu praised the Bishop of Chester, the Rt Rev Dr Peter Forster and the diocese.

The archbishop, the second most senior figure in the Church of England, concluded the day at a service attended by clergy and influential laity from throughout the diocese.

During an archbishop's question and answer session the bishop read a question from a member of the congregation asking the archbishop from whom he drew encouragement.

Turning to the bishop he replied 'from people like you of course' before embracing Dr Forster.

Following the service, the archbishop told the Chronicle the evening with the diocesan clergy and laity had been 'a wonderful time of worship'.

Describing the service as 'fantastic' he suggested that with the clergy and lay leaders working together 'this diocese has a very bright future'.

The congregation was welcomed to the cathedral by the Dean of Chester, the Very Rev Prof Gordon McPhate.

The procession, accompanied by a traditional South African hymn with Felix Kasanganayi on African drums, included the archbishop, the Bishop of Chester, the Rt Rev Keith Sinclair, Bishop of Birkenhead and the Rt Rev Robert Atwell, Bishop of Stockport.

The nave platform became a sea of red and white worn by everyone from the youngest choirboy to the archbishop.

The archbishop addressed the congregation for 30 minutes on the challenges facing the Church of England.

The bishops and cathedral chapter listened intently to his expressive address which drew laughter in parts and included responses from the congregation.

His question and answer session ended with applause and a drum roll.

The congregation was greeted by the bishop of Chester. Others involved in the service included Canon Jane Brooke, residentiary canon at the cathedral, Dr Roger Howarth, honorary secretary of the Chester Diocesan Society of Readers and clergy from other parts of the diocese.

The choir was led by the cathedral's director of music Philip Rushforth and the organist was the assistant director of music Benjamin Chewter.

Introducing the service, the dean described the event as 'an important part of the archbishop's visit to the diocese'.

Cardinal Cormac Murphy-O’Connor preached at a Churches Together in Cheshire service in the cathedral to mark the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity.

The cardinal, an influential figure in ecumenical issues, commented the Benedictine origins of the cathedral ‘are so evident in this beautiful building’.

Referring to church unity he insisted:“We must persevere month by month, year by year.

“Ecumenism is like a road with no ending”.

Accepting ‘there are issues which still divide us’ he added:“We must never be discouraged”.

Asked for by the Chroniclefor a brief message to local churches and congregations, he said: “I would be very encouraged indeed not just by the numbers but by the enthusiasm and commitment of the people who are here today.

“There was their prayerfulness and their desire to fulfil as it were their missionary endeavour to be Christians in our secular society and to stand up for what they believe. “There are difficulties but it doesn't matter how many we are we have got to be strong and to be together as much as we can”.

Offering a ‘very special welcome’ to the cardinal, the dean commented:“In our diversity we endeavour to seek unity”.

Leaders of denominations, including the Roman Catholic Bishop of Shrewsbury, the Rt Rev Mark Davies and the congregation were greeted by United Reformed Church Moderator, the Rev Howard Sharp.

Others taking part in the service included Dr Forster, readers from the Roman Catholic, Baptist and Methodist churches and the Rev Peter Barber, chairman of the Chester and Stoke Methodist District.

Music was provided by choirs from St Nicholas Catholic High School, Hartford and the cathedral and by the Salvation Army.