On Saturday, the Bishop of London gave her support to London’s Cursillo movement at a gathering of over 100 worshippers at All Hallows-by-the-Tower in the City of London.

The Cursillo movement has its roots in post-Civil War Spain and takes its name from the Spanish word for a “short course.” It provides a method, through three-day weekends and follow up meetings (called Group Reunions and Ultreyas), to inspire, support and encourage lay people and clergy in Christ-centred living.

Held at Hallows-by-the-Tower, the oldest church in the City of London, the Ultreya saw over 100 worshippers join together to provide support, encouragement and fellowship to one another. Worshippers were drawn from the Dioceses of London, Southwark, Chelmsford and St Albans, as well as members of the British Anglican Cursillo Council.

The movement celebrates its 20th anniversary in London next year, where there are Cursillo supporters, or ‘Cursillistas’, in 47 parishes.

At the event, the Bishop of London was given an introduction to the Cursillo movement and was invited to join in reflection on the events of this year. Speaking after the meeting, The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE, Bishop of London said:

“It was a pleasure to join with so many men, women and children in lively discussion, support and prayer. Imaginative worship like this is central to ensuring the Church successfully engages with communities of all styles and backgrounds, and I look forward to seeing the movement continue to thrive in London in years to come.”

Deirdre Davis, Lay Director of Cursillo in the Diocese of London, said:

“My sincere thanks go out to Bishop Sarah for attending and giving her support to the movement, which goes from strength to strength and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in the Diocese of London next year. Cursillo is a major tool for parish growth and has the potential to re-invigorate spiritual life, so I hope that this weekend’s success acts as an example for the rest of London to get involved.”