A MAJOR new church initiative has been started in West Devon.

In the first of a series of visits around the diocese, Bishop of Exeter the Rt Rev Robert Atwell had wide-ranging talks, including a meeting to discuss problems in farming.

The visit to Tavistock deanery churches and communities was the first exercise in the ‘Bishops in Mission’ initiative.

Bishop Robert was welcomed by Val and Geoff Hill to a farmers’ working lunch in Lamerton. Six young farmers’ club members spoke to the Bishop at length about problems in agriculture.

The Rev Nick Shutt from the West Dartmoor Mission Community hosted a ‘Nosh at 7pm’ evening to talk about church projects including Messy Church, Open the Book, Church Trails and The Filling Station model of engagement for young adults.

The Bishop had a breakfast at Joe’s cafe in the Cattle Market with a group of men from Tavistock, Lamerton, Yelverton, Bere Alston and Bere Ferrers. There was a lively debate amongst the church-goers, atheists and agnostics.

At Milton Abbot Village Hall, Bishop Robert led a session on ‘Growing In Prayer’ attended by about 70 people, and he had a meeting with members of Tavistock Area Churches Together, including the CATALYST Youth Worker Team, street pastors and other local initiatives.

The three themes the Bishop is promoting are growing in prayer, making new disciples and serving the people of Devon with joy.