Find here reflections written by bishops, members of clergy and laity from across our diocese. Many of these reflections are produced for Leeds Diocesan News, which is released the first Friday of every month.
Monthly reflections
That's temptation | Bishop Tony | February 2024
A little boy in a grocery store was standing near an open box of peanut butter cookies. “Now then, young man,” said the grocer as he approached the young man. “What are you up to?” “Nothing,” replied the boy: “Nothing.” “Well, it looks to me like you were trying to take a cookie.” “You’re wrong, mister, I’m trying not to!”
Serving the Church | Revd Ian Greenhalgh | February 2024
2024 marks a very special year in my life. On January 11th I had my birthday and I find it hard to believe I am now 75 - or as my daughter tells me 27,394 days old.
Together in love | Bishop Anna | January 2024
One evening in December, having got through security, I sat alongside teenagers and volunteers in the Faith Space at Wetherby Young Offenders Institution delighted to be at their carol service. The invitation had come from its chaplaincy team and was one of the carol services I attended at the invitation of different chaplaincies working across the Ripon Area.
Connecting with 'God with us' | Theo Sheridan-Watts | January 2024
It’s one of the paradoxes of modern life that the more ‘connected’ we are, through social media, video calls and other technologies, the more ‘disconnected’ we also feel from one another. This can be particularly true in the month of January, as the hubbub and connections of the Christmas season fade, the long cold nights are still with us and the weather drives us indoors.
Inextinguishable Light | Bishop Nick | December 2023
You can imagine my surprise when I saw on a billboard the following headline: ‘Satan’s Coming to Town’. I always thought he had more important bad things to do. Of course, I had mis-read it. It actually said that the story was about ‘Santa’. Far less exciting, but probably more appropriate to the season of Christmas. But, it did make me think also about why my mind replaced Santa with Satan. Just an anagram? Or something deeper and darker?
Waiting this Advent | Revd Eve Ridgeway | December 2023
The Advent season is one of waiting. How do you wait? Be honest - do you ever wait in the hope of escaping our reality, or in despair watching the world around us in conflict?
Faith in the North | Bishop Smitha | November 2023
On a glorious October day, I was privileged to accompany Archbishop Stephen on a walk from South Ossett to Dewsbury Minster for the launch of Faith in the North; an initiative to celebrate the faith stories of the province.
Carrying God's light | Revd Darryl Hall | November 2023
I think I’m pretty good at getting other people to do things, or maybe I’m just so useless that other people give up and end up doing the jobs themselves, usually much better than me. I suppose the positive spin to put on it, is to say that I’m a facilitator, even a facilitator of rural mission and evangelism.
Reflecting God's generosity | Revd Canon David Gerrard | October 2023
I must admit that I have found these words of Jesus more than a little troubling at times. St Catherine’s Church in Wakefield, where I serve, has been at the forefront of emergency food provision for well over a decade. Telling people whose biggest anxiety is whether they can afford a summer holiday next year not to worry, is one thing.
Pilgrimages | Bishop Anna | October 2023
I have only been on a few short pilgrimages in my life, but when I have they have been a rich blessing. I am always grateful for even just a few hours walking along paths where others have trod before and alongside those who walk with me now. And on any pilgrimage, or even a good hearty walk, what we experience, see and hear can speak to our souls.
