CHURCHGOERS congregated in the heart of East Oxford as they strolled along the streets during annual open-air festivities.

More than 60 people united outside Cowley Road Methodist Church before quietly trailing through nearby streets during yesterday’s Walk of Witness service.

Prayers were bellowed and hymns were sung as worshippers marched together to commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

Rev Phil Ritchie, who is the vicar at St Mary and St John Church, said it was important to join other churches across the community, celebrating the Easter season with people he would not usually come across.

He added: “This is the most solemn day of the year for Christians - the day Christ died on the Cross. That’s why we wanted to proclaim it, that’s why we wanted to walk up the street.

“I love it. What’s really nice is we join with the Roman Catholic church and the Methodist Church and other Christians from other churches.”

Worshippers launched their service with a prayer outside the Methodist church, vowing to walk in solidarity as they thought about victims suffering from terrorism and violence, as well as perpetrators of crimes.

The troupe rambled behind a churchgoer grasping a giant cross, strolling towards Rectory Road and congregating outside rehab service Turning Point just after 10.30am.

Families then rejoiced together as St Clement’s Church called on the group to belt out a hymn while passers-by looked on from their homes with curiosity.

Churchgoers moved on to Princes Street, gathering outside East Oxford Community Centre for prayers and readings led by St Mary and St John Church.

The mass group then strolled to Union Street’s East Oxford Primary School before uniting at East Oxford Health Centre.

Mr Ritchie said he enjoyed sharing his faith with other communities in the area, quietly reflecting on readings and prayers as the group moved through the area.

He added: “It’s great on the Cowley Road because of the wonderful diversity on the road. It’s lovely that we all get a chance to share our faiths on the Cowley Road in different ways.

“I like the message of love that Jesus proclaimed because it is an important message for me. We want to share the love that we believe God gave to us in the death and resurrection of Jesus.”

Churchgoers made their final stop at St Mary and St John Church, reflecting on their hour-long trip with Greyfriars Church and the Conventual Franciscans, before enjoying tasty hot cross buns and warming drinks.

Jonathan Weatherill, who helps with services at the church, said it was ‘very encouraging’ to see so many people turn out for the open-air service.

The 47-year-old, of East Oxford, who snapped shots of the group as they travelled along the streets for his parish’s magazine, added: “It was great to be part of this. I knew a few of the people - it’s nice to catch up and share the faith with them.

“I love taking pictures, it’s for a purpose and that’s nice.”

Christian communities across the country gathered to take part in Walk of Witness services on Good Friday.