On a night for ghouls, ghosts, witches and everything dark, churches across the diocese opened their doors to those wanting to celebrate the light this Halloween.
The festival of Halloween has grown to become a hugely popular and important celebration for many in the United Kingdom. Rather than ignoring the annual celebration, many churches have responsed by hosting Light Parties that offer an upbeat alternative and a reminder of the fundamental Christian message that there is always light to be found in the darkness.
This year, the Church of England distributed packs to churches across the country encouraging them to host similar events and see Halloween as an opportunity for churches to connect with their communities and share a gospel message of light.
St Paul's Church, Ireland Wood in Leeds was one of those churches seeking to offer an alternative to trick-or-treating. Last night when the local area was awash with families for its popular Halloween celebrations, the church hosted an event called The Big Treat. Volunteers from the church offered locals free hot chocolate, hot dogs and craft activities for those taking part in the Halloween celebrations. Children from the local area were able to make their own lanterns of light to take home whilst adults enjoyed a chat and hot drink.
Member's of St Edmond's Church (pictured top left) in Roundhay also offered The Light Stop where a hundred visitors from the community received sweats, glow sticks, hot food and drinks during their night of fancy dress and trick or treating.