The archbishop held a launch event for “Faith in the North” - which aims to renew the missionary purpose of the church in the North over the coming years - at Dewsbury Minster on October 10, which is St Paulinus Day in the church’s calendar.
The day remembers the life of the saint who established the Church of Saint Peter in York in the year 627 and who became the first Bishop of York.
Archbishop Stephen, now the 98th Archbishop of York, led a time of prayer in the Chapel at Dewsbury Minster dedicated to St Paulinus. He was joined by many church leaders from across the North.
Archbishop Stephen said: “The purpose of marking the mission of Paulinus is not to look back, but to look forwards, and to learn from some of the features of mission in Anglo Saxon times and the spirituality which shaped it.
"Exploring our spiritual roots in this way offers a wonderful opportunity to share the Christian faith in churches, schools and in all the communities we serve.
"Under a banner of ‘Faith in the North’ and working with others in all our dioceses in the Church of England, I am encouraging similar patterns of mission, celebrating our faith stories from the great Northern saints of the past and from today’s church.
"In doing this, I hope we can equip the church for its service and mission today, find ways of reaching out to others, and plant new Christian communities.”
Earlier in the day, Archbishop Stephen joined in morning prayer at Wakefield Cathedral, and later walked from Christ Church, South Ossett, to Dewsbury Minster, calling in at Orchard Park Primary Academy to lead a school assembly and blessing the outreach ministry of Destination 211 Bus along the way.
This is part of Archbishop Stephen’s teaching and preaching ministry, praying along the routes he walks with others.
Rev Neil Walpole, Associate Priest at Dewsbury Team Parish, said: “Destination 211 bus ministry reaches out to communities that struggle from high deprivation with the love of Jesus.
"It provides a warm space and a listening ear for the community in winter, as well as offering emergency food.
"It is an after school drop-in where real discipleship takes place with craft and a Bible study for parents and children, and we have our worship, ‘Thrive on the bus’, where all can learn and grow in faith.
"This is an important and practical outreach, especially to Chickenley which no longer has a church building nearby.
"Time and time again we see children sprint down the hill with parents following to join us for drinks, cakes, conversations and to hear the good news of Jesus.”
The “Faith in the North” project will be a large focus for Archbishop Stephen over the next five years.
It is a Northern response to the Church of England’s national vision and strategy, with an emphasis in growing younger and more diverse, developing missionary disciples, and planting new church communities.
Dioceses and cathedrals from across the Northern Province are encouraged to get involved – in the coming months resources will be available for schools and parishes to further explore what can be learned from Anglo Saxon Christianity.
1. Faith in the North
The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell with guests at the launch event at Dewsbury Minster Photo: Submitted
3. Faith in the North
The archbishop was joined by church leaders from across the North Photo: Submitted
4. Faith in the North
The archbishop addresses guests at the launch event Photo: Submitted