Archbishop to visit Lancashire

Archbishop Rowan will begin his tour of Lancashire at Bishop Rawsthorne School

There's high expectation in the county this week as we await the arrival of the Archbishop of Canterbury who will be in Lancashire for three days.

Archbishop Rowan will begin his tour of Lancashire at Bishop Rawsthorne School in Croston, followed by visits to The Burnley and Pendle faith Centre, Myerscough College, The Boat House and St. John's Church in Blackpool and Preston Minster.

He will conclude his visit by preaching at a Eucharist service and having an open dialogue with Blackburn MP and Justice Secretary Jack Straw in Blackburn Cathedral… not bad for a visit that barely last two full days!

The Archbishop of Canterbury will also visit Preston Minster

On this week's radio programme, the Bishop of Burnley, the Right Reverend John Goddard, told us about the Archbishop's itinerary and urged us to join everyone at the Cathedral for Saturday morning's act of worship and open dialogue for which there is an open door policy. Just turn up!

Laid back approach

What else did we do this Sunday? Well, spoke to Louise Cross who is from New Longton. Admittedly she had just popped out for a while and we caught up with her in Nigeria where Louise is helping the Roman Catholic aid agency Cafod with its work.

Louise had just arrived in Lagos and had spent the previous day at the airport waiting for someone, anyone, to take her to her temporary new home in the slums of the city.

The Bethany Choir from Tanzania were in the BBC Radio Theatre

When we fixed up the interview we hadn't accounted for the, many would say admirable, laid back approach some Africans take to life. We agreed to give Louise another ring next week when she will have settled in and can tell us more about their work.

Sally Naden had the joy of the Bethany Choir from Tanzania in the BBC Radio Theatre on Friday and we enjoyed their music again on Sunday, as well as hearing from Graham Pountain, one of the founders of the Bethany Trust which was launched in east Lancashire and serves to assist these youngsters from East Africa.

Talking of youngsters, I called in at Preston Minster this week to meet many of the people from the What To Do With The Kids day that was organised by the Blackburn Diocese to illustrate the wide and varied organisations and schemes youngster can get involved with.

It was impressive to hear how organisations have moved from the stereotypical images we often have of them and they are all now embracing the modern world these kids are born into.

Woolly bob hat

Sue Witts is the Children's Advisor for the Blackburn Diocese

Sue Witts, the Children's Advisor for the Blackburn Diocese, told me this was all part of the Year of the Child initiative which is coming to a close in December, but which has been a big success in helping to re-engage youngsters with activities rooted in faith friendly organisations.

I also spoke to the Girls and Lads Brigade and the Urban Saints who you can hear on next week's programme. Honesty means I also have to admit that we also spoke to the Scouts and to the Boys Brigade - but technology failed me on that occasion and their words were lost in the ether. However, I do hope both organisations will join us on the programme soon to allow us to hear what they have to say.

Look out next week too for all the reports on Archbishop Rowan's visit for which I now have to acquire a reasonable jacket, shirt, tie and trousers! Headwear etiquette also suggests it's expected the Archbishop will wear his mitre, but I'd best not be seen sitting there with my woolly bob hat, so I'll get a comb as well!

Joe Wilson

Joe presents the faith programme on BBC Radio Lancashire from 6am each Sunday.