Lancaster Bishop launches new book she hopes will inspire faith
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The launch was attended by many from parishes across the county and beyond, alongside the new Bishop of Blackburn-designate, Rt Rev Philip North; the Roman Catholic Bishop of Lancaster, Paul Swarbrick; the Archdeacons of Lancaster and Blackburn, David Picken and Mark Ireland and the Dean of Women's Ministry for the Diocese, Rev Anne Beverley.
Behind the scenes organisation was by the vicar of Lancaster and assistant archdeacon of Lancaster, Rev Leah Vasey-Saunders, and attendees enjoyed glasses of prosecco and jazz music as they gathered for the evening.
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Hide AdMum-of-two Bishop Jill, 50, wrote the book during a period of study leave in early 2022. It will be published in February by SPCK and you can read more about it and pre-order on the diocesan website.
At the Priory launch, Bishop Philip sat down with Bishop Jill for a Q and A session about how the book came about and what it contains.
Bishop Jill said: "Beacons captured my imagination at an early age when my Mum explained that Rivington Pike, near our home in Bolton, was the site of a beacon which signalled the arrival of the Spanish Armada in the English Channel.
"I love the way that God’s Holy Spirit inhabits our imaginings, and this image of chains of light has resonated with me over the last 10 years; ever since I started praying in earnest for the renewal of faith across the north west."
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Hide AdThe book is intended for a wide audience as Bishop Jill explained: "Quite simply, I hope my book will light beacons; fire faith in hearts. Whether readers are new to faith, disappointed or bruised by faith, or aspiring to be a giant of faith."
'Lighting the Beacons' can also be used as a resource in parishes across Lancashire.
"I hope that my book could be used in mid-week groups, book groups in homes or pubs. It’s written in 12 easy-read chapters; each with questions at the end to get the conversation started," added Bishop Jill.
Roman Catholic Bishop of Lancaster Paul Swarbrick, who blessed the book, said it had a simple language and clear purpose to inspire faith.