Archbishop visits the Diocese of Bradford

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The Archbishop was welcomed to the area by the Rt Revd David James, the Bishop of Bradford. During this non stop tour of the Diocese, the Archbishop visited many projects and met inspirational people who work tirelessly in their communities. He encountered some inspiring examples of Christians expressing the love of God in both rural and urban settings.

Monday 10th May

The first stop of the Archbishop's visit was Ben Rhydding Primary School.  Here Dr Sentamu saw the hugely successful bible storytelling project, 'Open the Book', in action.  In the Otley deanery, primary school children are regularly spellbound by dynamic presentations of bible stories using fabulous props and costumes provided by the deanery's youth and children's network. Lay volunteers from local churches take the assemblies in 15 schools and the project reaches over 2,500 children.

At Fewston Church he learnt about the Washburn Heritage Project. The church is the driving force behind the Washburn Heritage Centre (being built behind the church) which will promote the local heritage as well as drawing together the dispersed community through a range of events and activities. As the church is a grade 2* listed building in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty it attracts many visitors.

- Before blessing a foundation stone, the Archbishop said, "Through this project, the church here is reaching out to the community in a very imaginative way, and its learning programme will help learning come alive for people in many ways".

He added, "Your vision will become a living reality if you become 'living stones' - bonded and committed to each other in the love of Christ, so that people will be intrigued by the quality of your relationships. I hope this centre will bring hope and encouragement to all who visit it".

At Bolton Priory he met with representatives of the rural community to discuss issues of rural concern including education, transport, farming economics and housing. He emphasised the importance farms play in the maintenance of our countryside and the need for us all to buy UK food.

- Then, on a chilly evening, hundreds of people picnicked by the lake of Coniston Hall - Those attending were entertained by the Settle and Giggleswick Brass Band before the Archbishop spoke of his early years in Uganda and why he is a Christian today. 

He summed this up saying "It is simply because the love of God freely given in Jesus Christ becomes a gift and then God made it possible for me to be able to experience this new life, this freedom, this liberty.

"To be a Christian is to be on the side of Jesus."

Tuesday 11th May

The second day of the visit was spent in Bradford.  At Immanuel College he met staff and some students who have barriers to learning, and took part in an RE lesson.

- At the Memorial Service to mark the 25th anniversary of the Bradford City Football Club Fire, the Archbishop gave the address and said:

"Every community that forgets its memories becomes senile, so you, the City of Bradford, do well to remember the Bradford City fire disaster.

"Praising what is lost makes the remembrance dear."

Following the Service and after meeting many of those who had lost loved ones and were injured, the Archbishop travelled to St Christopher's in Holme Wood.  Here he was shown just a few of the huge number of community activities in which the church is involved.

The Archbishop visited the 'Playing with Purpose Project' - an imaginative new way of helping parents develop the language and communications skills of very young children - and the 'Wannabe Youth Project' which provides opportunities for young people in performing arts and sports.

Several young people told the Archbishop how much they appreciated the project because it gave them confidence, built their self-esteem and kept them away from violence on the estate.  He told them that "Being yourself is quite an important thing."

- There is also a Day Centre held at the Church and when the Archbishop visited, children from the local primary school were helping the members of the centre to enjoy some games. Dr Sentamu said, "It's really thrilling to see how the church here is viewed with great respect and is seen as such a positive force for good in the area".

Team leaders from churches in the area discussed Mission and how to overcome difficulties in areas such as Holme Wood.  The Archbishop learnt of the extremely valuable work they do and how they support each other.

He also visited the Good Neighbours Furniture Store which provides good quality second hand furniture to low income families, and visited 'Tuesday Church' in the Upper Room on Tong Street where 35 adults and children meet for worship and Christian friendship after school each Tuesday. The children performed a song and dance and the Archbishop spoke to them about what Jesus means to him. He told them "Jesus to me means having a very close friend. Jesus is the only person I know who never falls out with me, who is always giving me His love and who also forgives."

At the Thornbury Centre, the Archbishop shared in the first joint session of Christian and Muslim Youth Workers. 7 Muslim and 8 Christian Youth Workers met together, many for the first time.  They shared a meal and had the opportunity to discuss their hopes and aspirations for Christian-Muslim relations.  The Archbishop addressed the group and highlighted to them that "Education means to draw the best out of people".

The last event on the Archbishop's itinerary was a visit to the @the bus stop project. Twice a week, a bright yellow double decker bus is parked in Bierley and Bankfoot to provide sports activities, internet, refreshments, games and relational support for 13-19 year olds. -

At the time of the Archbishop's visit, teenagers were meeting friends, taking part in craft activities, playing games and having snacks. Outside on the grass, sporting activities were organised and supervised. 

The project, which is staffed by E:merge workers (a Christian youth project based in Laisterdyke) and local church volunteers, aims to address issues of self-esteem, anti-social behaviour and boredom. Tim, one of the leaders says, "We're basically providing them with a safe space to come on an evening. Parents are happy because they know there are adults around, and the young people like it because there's lots going on, but it's also good for just chilling and chatting."

Details can also be found at http://www.bradford.anglican.org/news/story.php?PageID=1005131d8a2.

Selected photographs and details courtesy of the Diocese of Bradford.