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'New Minster is about service, not status'

Jon Wright/BBC A bishop, in gold coloured robes, stands at the front of a full medieval church congregation. About 30 people can be seen sitting in the pews, facing away from the camera.Jon Wright/BBC
Jon Wright/BBC About 20 vicars in white robes stand outside a church.Jon Wright/BBC
Bishop Martin, who gave permission for the redesignation ahead of his retirement, led proceedings, saying it was an opportunity for a renewed sense of unity in the town
Anglican clergy from across Suffolk joined the rededication service

A Grade II* listed church has been redesignated as a Minster in recognition of its work in the community.

A service of celebration was held at St Mary le Tower in Ipswich on Sunday, led by the Reverend Martin Seeley, Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich.

Bishop Martin said: "Creating the Minster is a challenge to all of us to say 'what's the part I can play in building up Ipswich?'"

The Reverend Tom Mumford, vicar of Ipswich Minster, described the redesignation as being about "service" not status.

Jon Wright/BBC Jim Robinson, verger at Ipswich Minster, and Revd Tom Mumford, both dressed in Anglican church robes, stand outside St Mary Le Tower churchJon Wright/BBC
Jim Robinson, verger at Ipswich Minster, and the Reverend Tom Mumford were at the service

Mr Mumford added: "It's about rearticulating a sense of vocation to the town, and in many ways we will continue to do exactly what we've done for the last thousand years.

"But I hope we will do this now with a renewed sense of passion, with a real opportunity to bring the community together in so many different ways.

"This is about the future of Ipswich - what a great place it is to live to work as it continues to become the place that I believe that God's calling it to be."

Jon Wright/BBC Griff Rhys Jones stands outside Ipswich Minster church yard. He is wearing a navy coat over the top of his suit and tie. He has grey slicked back hair and black framed glasses.Jon Wright/BBC
Comedian, writer and heritage campaigner Griff Rhys Jones first came to the church as part of a charity event organised by musician Rick Wakeman

Comedian and heritage campaigner Griff Rhys Jones, who lives in Suffolk, spoke at the service, sharing stories about civic celebrations from the past.

Speaking to BBC Radio Suffolk afterwards, he said: "It's a great town, a wonderful place, so many things to explore.

"It's easy to neglect it, let's put it that way, I think that Ipswich is in need of love and care at all times.

"This is such a thriving church, and there are 13 medieval churches in Ipswich, which means it's a wonderful place to visit to come and explore.

"I'm not sure enough people do."

Ipswich Minster will play a central role in 2025, marking the 825th anniversary of the town being granted its Royal Charter by King John.

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