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
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.
Harvesting anytime | Fiona Schneider | September 2023
Do you ever find the church calendar unhelpful? Or feel stuck in a church season? Ritual and rhythms help our spiritual journey. Anniversaries give opportunities for remembering. But sometimes, I feel a frustration, almost a play acting whilst we wait to celebrate Christmas or Easter morning.
Giving generously | Bishop Arun | September 2023
Later this month we will be embarking on Generosity Week as Stewardship teams across the Church of England remind us of the generosity of God and of our own call to be generous with the gifts He gives to us.
Rooted deeper in God | Revd Joanna Seabourne | August 2023
As I prepare to leave the Diocese to take on a new role as rector of St Giles West Bridgford, I look back with great thanksgiving for the last 17 years and for each of the different roles I’ve held and communities I’ve been a part of. Reflecting specifically on the last five years and my role as Diocesan director of interns I give thanks that the programme is now established and has seen over 64 interns and 16 mission apprentices take part.
Singing in the Rain | Bishop Toby | August 2023
Summer’s here! I know that joyful shout may have been rare in recent wet weeks, but as I write…the sun is shining.
What shall I do with my life? | Revd Canon Derek Walmsley | July 2023
So the annual ordination services have taken place and we have another “batch” of deacons and priests serving in the diocese. Could you be joining them in a few years’ time? What would it take for you to offer yourself to explore ordination?
The passage of time | Bishop Tony | July 2023
I recently came across a book of pictures from my home town of Bedford. It shows many images from 100 years ago in the Edwardian era. One of the pictures shows a family group walking along a street and I reflected on the fact that in their wildest dreams they couldn’t possibly have imagined how that street would look in 2014.
