Explore FaithFaith 1. Belief and trust in someone or something. 2. Acceptance of particular religious teachings.

Sun halo on LindisfarneLindisfarne Also known as Holy Island, a peninsula off the coast of north-east England (Northumbria), this area is cut off from the mainland by the tide twice a day. A monastic community was founded here by St Aidan, in emulation of Iona. From Lindisfarne, missionary activity was conducted in the kingdom of Northumbria. The Anglo-Saxon community produced saints, the most prominent being St Cuthbert in whose honour the magnificent Lindisfarne Gospels were written.

Why look back to find meaning today?

Many people today are interested in faith and spiritualitySpirituality Term used to describe the experiential dimensions of religion, encompassing aspects such as prayer, meditation, contemplation, and mysticism., though not so sure about formal religion!

Perhaps you have come to this website because you have visited a historic church and want to know more about the meaning behind it. Maybe you have picked up a prayer card and are interested in digging deeper to find something relevant to you. Or you are just wondering if there is more to life – and if so, where to find it?

This website offers a fresh way to find out more about faith and what Christianity offers. It looks at real people, past and present, to see what has changed for them and given them new meaning and hope for the future.

Unlocking the treasures of Anglo-Saxon spirituality 

This website is built on stories, including the stories of key figures from the past, such as Cuthbert, Hild, Aidan, Paulinus, and BedeBede, the Venerable (c.673-735) Anglo-Saxon historian and biblical scholar. Sent to study at the monastery of Wearmouth at seven; later transferred to Jarrow. Renowned in his lifetime for his learning, Bede wrote treatises on poetry, time and cosmography. Historical works include History of the Abbots, prose and verse versions of the Life of St Cuthbert and Ecclesiastical History of the English People.. Their beliefs and actions have left a lasting mark on the history, landscape, and spirituality of the North as we experience it today. Through these stories, we see the courage of these Anglo-Saxon men and women and their passionate desire to change the world through sharing God’s offer of forgiveness and new life. We glimpse the security which gave them confidence to face tough challenges. We see the strength which helped them use their gifts to bring light, hope, and care to those around them. We discover their love of nature and beauty; their creativity, and their curiosity about life, the universe, and everything!

Irton CrossCross Instrument of torture and execution used in the Roman Empire. The means by which Christ was put to death and therefore the primary symbol of the Christian faith, representing the means by which he is believed to have won forgiveness for humankind. The Cross may be represented as Tau-shaped (like a capital T); with a shorter cross-bar or with a circle enclosing the upper intersection (Celtic). In medieval art a cross made of living branches signifies the Tree of Life. St Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, is said to have discovered the True Cross (i.e. the Cross in Jerusalem on which Christ died) in 326.
Adam and Alice

The power of faith in the North today

You can also read and listen to stories of people in the North, here and now. They share how their lives, families, and communities have been transformed through exploring faith for themselves and finding God still alive and at work every day. 

The continuing power of the ChristianChristian Name originally given to disciples of Jesus by outsiders and gradually adopted by the Early Church to designate all members of the church. story 

The story of God reaching out to human beings, of JesusJesus (Greek form of Hebrew 'Joshua' meaning 'Yahweh [God] is salvation') Also given the title Christ, meaning 'anointed one' or Messiah. His life is recorded mainly in the Four Gospels although he is also mentioned by the Jewish historian Josephus (c. 37-c.100) and the Roman historian Tacitus (c.110). coming to offer love and a relationship of trust and security to all who accept it, has shaped the lives of so many. It remains a living story which anyone can explore for themselves, and into which each of us can step if we wish. 

Try talking to God

Find a Church near you!

Wherever you live, there is a Church of England church that is always there for you through life’s biggest moments – and at other times too.

If you’d like a special service, your church offers a warm welcome, friendship, advice and prayer beforehand, on the big day and all the years afterwards.

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