Responsive prayers for a Christmas carol service, rooted in Scripture and centred on the ancient Christian prayer Maranatha - holding together Christ’s coming at Christmas and the hope of his coming again.

‘LISTENING to the Music of the Soul’ by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into 8 chapters inspired by 8 pieces of music. The author invites us to ‘have a go at creating your own Desert Island Discs… to help you better understand yourself and the things that are important to you’. Here’s my eighth and final musical moment.

The artwork for the single released in April 2013 AS THIS ADVENT SEASON invites us to ponder the mystery of Jesus’s coming at Christmas, I’m sharing a series of reflections inspired by Listening to the Music of the Soul, the Archbishop of York’s Advent book for 2025 by Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani. In her exploration of faith, identity, beauty and vulnerability, Bishop Guli invites us to listen for the melodies that shape our inner lives and connect us more deeply with God and one another.

‘LISTENING to the Music of the Soul’ by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into 8 chapters inspired by 8 pieces of music. The author invites us to ‘have a go at creating your own Desert Island Discs… to help you better understand yourself and the things that are important to you’. Here’s my sixth.

'LISTENING to the Music of the Soul' by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into 8 chapters inspired by 8 pieces of music. The author invites us to 'have a go at creating your own Desert Island Discs... to help you better understand yourself and the things that are important to you'. Here's my fifth.

‘LISTENING to the Music of the Soul’ by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into 8 chaptersinspired by 8 pieces of music. The author invites us to ‘have a go at creating your own Dese…

A still from the video of Don't Give Up with Peter Gabriel and Kate Bush AS THIS ADVENT SEASON invites us to ponder the mystery of Jesus’s coming at Christmas, I’m sharing a series of reflections inspired by Listening to the Music of the Soul, the Archbishop of York’s Advent book for 2025 by Bishop Guli Francis-Dehqani. In her exploration of faith, identity, beauty and vulnerability, Bishop Guli invites us to listen for the melodies that shape our inner lives and connect us more deeply with God and one another.

Inspired by eight pieces of music, Listening to the Music of the Soul by Guli Francis-Dehqani is divided into eight chapters. The author also invites us to 'have a go at creating your own Desert Island Discs... to help you better understand yourself and the things that are important to you'. Here's my first.

6th December is the feast of St Nicholas, patron saint of children. In the Middle Ages, there was a tradition of electing a Boy Bishop - a reminder to hear the wisdom of the young.

EACH YEAR, on 20th November, Transgender Day of Remembrance [TDOR] is observed in memory of trans people who have lost their lives through prejudice and violence during the past year. Last Saturday, as part of his training for ordination in the Methodist Church, I shared this reflection for TDOR in the college chapel.

Every church has them - the quiet heroes. The ones who turn up early, serve faithfully, and never seek attention. In a world that prizes recognition, Paul’s letter to Timothy and Jesus’ parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector remind us of something different: that God values faithfulness and humility, even - and especially - when no one’s watching.

Henri Nouwen was a priest and bestselling author who wrestled with his homosexuality in an intolerant church. He died on Sept. 21, 1996. His struggle with being gay may have added depth to his writing...