The Diocese’s Bishop’s Advisors for Diversity and Racial Justice attended the King’s Garden Party at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday, 6 May, after being nominated in recognition of their contribution to diocesan life.
The Revd Canon Eileen Harrop and the Revd Canon Remi Omole joined guests from across the country at the event, which was hosted by King Charles and Queen Camilla. Other members of the Royal Family in attendance included the Princess Royal and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. Guests enjoyed tea and cakes while exploring the palace grounds.
Remi, who served for five years as the Diocese’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Enabler, said it was “a great honour” to be nominated to attend the event.
Although no longer in the role, he said he remained committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion across the Church and wider community.
“I will continue to do what I can to offer my support to the Diocese to work towards a time where everyone can feel they truly belong,” he said.
The occasion also comes as Eileen prepares to leave the Diocese after 10 years of ministry. Alongside her role as UK Minority Ethnic Adviser, she has served as Entrepreneur Priest in Bishop Auckland; Priest in Charge of St Mary’s, Gainford; St Andrew’s, Winston; St John the Evangelist’s, Ingleton; and St Mary’s, Staindrop, as well as Canon for Pilgrimage and minister of GATHER, the Diocese’s pilgrimage church plant now in its third year.
Reflecting on her time in the Diocese, Eileen said she was grateful to Bishop Sarah for recognising her ministry.
She said she leaves her parish in a strong position, with a thriving youth club and growing lay and ordained ministry teams, adding that relationships between the churches, schools and their local communities were “close and collaborative”.
“I leave knowing that God has blessed my ministry,” she said.
Eileen’s final service will take place at 4pm on Trinity Sunday (31 May), at St Mary's Church in Gainford.
Eileen will continue as trustee of Cranmer Hall Theological College Committee, and in her national roles as Chair of the Anglican Ethnic Minority Network and trustee of the Church of England National Steering Board for UKHK Churches.
Photographed: The Revd Canon Remi Omole and the Revd Canon Eileen Harrop at Buckingham Palace.