16th February 2012
To all at St Thomas á Becket, Hamburg

Dear Friends,

As 132nd Bishop of London, the link with The English Church in Hamburg goes back at least to Bishop Laud’s time in 1633 and possibly to Bishop John King, a notable Calvinist surprisingly remembered for his lavish entertainment of Pocahontas in 1617. The relationship has continued and changed over the centuries but I welcome this opportunity to renew the link.

Your Patron Thomas á Becket was a notable Londoner, son of a Mercer in business in Cheapside. His place of birth here is marked by a pilgrim badge in the City. Hamburg had and continues to have a very close trading relationship with London and it is good that we have a share in a London Saint who defied the secular power in the name of the church.

So right gladly do I send my greetings and best wishes to you as you look back on 400 years, praying that you may continue to be a faithful witness to Jesus Christ and a place of worship, support and friendship in the great city of Hamburg for many years to come.

With thanks for our partnership in the Gospel.

The Rt Revd & Rt Hon Richard Chartres KCVO DD FSA