There are moments in a writer’s life that feel quietly extraordinary.

This week I was sent this photograph by Dom Martin Browne OSB, who is attending ACC-19 as an ecumenical guest. It shows my hymn, Called to One Hope, displayed on screen as part of the worship for the Anglican Consultative Council.

When I began writing hymns, I never imagined one might be sung by Anglicans gathered from across the world. To see it presented in this way, as part of the conference’s shared worship, makes the occasion feel very real.

As writers, we spend countless hours alone with a blank page. Most of that work happens unseen. Every so often, however, we are given a glimpse of where those words have travelled.

This is one of those moments.

I was also delighted to learn that an additional verse by The Rev Dr Sam Wells was included for this occasion. His contribution brings a fresh and thoughtful dimension to the hymn, and it is a privilege to see the text extended in this way within the context of shared worship.

My thanks to everyone involved in ACC-19 for their encouragement, and especially to Dom Martin Browne OSB for allowing me to share this photograph.

I remain deeply grateful that Called to One Hope has found its place in the worship of the worldwide Anglican Communion.