Among those honoured were Norwich Foodbank, The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, UEA Christian Union, The Matthew Project, Hethersett Parish, and St Mary Magdalene, Gorleston.
It was also a night of particular success for the Diocese of East Anglia. The Cathedral of St John the Baptist received the award for Best Norfolk Church Website, recognising its engaging and accessible online presence. In addition, the Diocese received a commendation in the Best Picture of the Church in Action category.
Network Norfolk Website publisher Keith Morris, who established Network Norfolk two decades ago, addressed the audience, saying:
“The main reason we are here tonight is to honour all those of you who work so hard and creatively in the communications environment – a role that is very often hidden away behind the scenes, but is of vital importance to the work of all the churches, organisations and groups which you represent.
“We have had an amazing response to the whole idea of the awards with more than 100 entries, many of which were of exceptional quality. Our distinguished judging panel chose the best 42 as finalists. We then opened up the awards to a public vote, and the response was overwhelming, with more than 800 different people taking the time to cast over 2,000 votes.”
The evening was also addressed by the Rt Rev Peter Collins, Bishop of East Anglia, and the Rt Rev Graham Usher, Bishop of Norwich, both of whom commended the contribution of Christian communicators in proclaiming the Gospel through modern media.
Bishop Peter Collins reflected on the impact of Network Norfolk and its founder:
“What Keith has contributed, through the establishment of the Good News newspaper first of all, and now the Network Norfolk website as we know it, has been a great service to the proclamation of the Gospel in this region and in this place.
I would like to simply thank him for the work that he has done in service to the wider church, it has been invaluable.”
Bishop Graham Usher spoke about the heart of effective Christian communication, reminding those present:
“The Gospels remind us of two key things. Good communication isn’t about talking more, it’s about listening better. And sometimes the most powerful messages come from stories, not in sermons that lecture people.
So may your communications help you to be makers of salt and generators of light. For God is not on mute. You are not on mute. Together we can make Christ known all the more.”
The event highlighted the growing importance of digital and creative outreach in sharing the Christian message across Norfolk and beyond — a fitting tribute to two decades of Network Norfolk’s ministry of communication.
A full list of winners can be accessed here.
Cathedral Manager Charley Purves receives Best Website award from Bishop Graham Usher.
Picture credit: Network Norfolk
