Ministry on the move

AN AUSTRALIAN vicar cruising the waterways has set up his boat as a new kind of church.

The Reverend Mark Walker, who was licensed by the Bishop of Gloucester at St James Church, lives aboard his narrowboat, Juliana, providing 'ministry on the move' while travelling the  waterways.

Presence

After wintering in Saul on the Gloucester & Sharpness Canal, Mark is cruising the waterways around Worcestershire, Avon, Oxfordshire and Berkshire, providing a church presence to those living and cruising on the waterways.

His boat has been specifically designed with an area that can accommodate prayer groups and church services.

Welcome

The Bishop of Gloucester, the Right Reverend Michael Perham, exclaimed:

"In a changing world, it is important that the church continues to find new ways to minister and to share the gospel, this is something which is entirely new for this diocese and we are delighted to welcome Mark to the area."

Mark has in the past been  a priest, pilot and army officer.