04/04/2025
Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, is continuing his tour of the north of England teaching and sharing about The Lord’s Prayer. As part of the Faith in the North initiative, the Diocese of York hosted a day of events on Friday 28 March, concluding with an evening event in Hull Minster which included music, talk and testimony.
Earlier in the day Archbishop Stephen visited Bishop Burton College and met with students and staff, and saw some of the work and training that takes place in the Engineering Department, the Animal Management Centre and Centre for Creative Studies.
Danny Metters, Principal and CEO of Bishop Burton College, said: “It was an absolute honour to host the Archbishop of York at the college as part of his regional visit.
“We were incredibly proud to showcase our exceptional campus facilities, including our specialist Animal Management Unit, Technology and Skills Centre, and art and design studios, while introducing Archbishop Stephen to our dedicated students and staff.
“It was a privilege to have such a distinguished guest on campus, and we sincerely hope Archbishop Stephen enjoyed his visit as much as we did.”
Ian Carter from the Engineering Department at Bishop Burton College presented the Archbishop with a metal sculpture of the Yorkshire Rose which will be placed outside in the grounds of Bishopthorpe Palace for visitors to admire.
Leaving Bishop Burton for Beverley, Archbishop Stephen took part in workshops at St Mary’s Church with pupils from St Mary’s Primary School. Pupils from Year 6 engaged with interactive storytelling workshops, shaped around sections of the Lord’s Prayer. These formed the basis of an act of worship for the wider school later in the afternoon. Lead by The Revd Becky Lumley and children from the school’s Worship Committee, the act of worship included placing objects on the altar which symbolised sections of the Lord’s Prayer: a hen, a candle, crowns, bread, a heart-shaped pebble, a rainbow, and stars. Archbishop Stephen then gave a talk to the 400 school children.
Archbishop Stephen said, “It’s been a fantastic day in East Yorkshire. Visiting Bishop Burton College was really encouraging and I was delighted to see that the first of their recently adopted values is Enjoyment. Throughout the visit it was clear to see this in practice as staff and students work and learn together.
“Spending time with pupils at St Mary’s Church in Beverley was inspiring as they looked in small groups at each line of The Lord’s Prayer. Learning more together about the prayer Jesus taught his disciples gives a great foundation to build our lives on as it shows us a way of living as well as praying.”
The Revd Becky Lumley, Vicar of St Mary’s Church in Beverley said: “We’ve had a fantastic time today. Year 6 pupils delved deep into the Lord’s Prayer and thought about what it means to call God our Father; to forgive others; to seek God’s Kingdom on earth; to only want what is needed and no more. Sharing in an act of worship with other pupils helped affirm their learning and understanding, and many left inspired to learn more.”
Laura Wallis, Head Teacher of St Mary’s Primary School said: “We were very pleased that children from St Mary’s Primary were able to meet the Archbishop.
“Our pupil worship committee work closely with The Revd Becky Lumley to plan and lead our collective worship and they were very excited about being involved in this special service with the Archbishop. All the children enjoyed listening to the Archbishop speak in church and have developed their understanding of the Lord’s Prayer as a result.
“At the end of the service, the Archbishop provided us with a copy of his new book ‘The Lord’s Prayer: A Beginner’s Guide’ which the children can now read when they are in our central reflection area.”
After an online Evening Prayer for the Diocese of York, people gathered for refreshments in Hull Minster where their Children’s Choir sang a newly commissioned choral setting of The Lord’s Prayer. Written by young composer Lucy Walker it gives a fresh take on this well known prayer. Archbishop Stephen gave a talk about the importance of The Lord’s Prayer and then there was time for Q&A.
