ArchbishopArchbishop Bishop who also presides over a group of dioceses or provinces. Stephen wants to share the importance and relevance of The Lord’s Prayer to our world today, encouraging people to pray and live by this as part of their missionaryMissionary Someone sent out to share religious faith. discipleship, using it as a pattern for living.
The Lord’s Prayer tour is part of the Faith in the North initiative. Working alongside others Archbishop Stephen is encouraging prayer, storytelling and church planting inspired by the Northern Saints such as Hild, Cuthbert, 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. and Paulinus. The aim is to foster deeper connections with 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. faithFaith 1. Belief and trust in someone or something. 2. Acceptance of particular religious teachings. across the north and renew the Church’s missionary purpose to share God’s love with all.
The focus for Faith in the North in 2025 is The Lord’s Prayer, in 2026 it will be pilgrimage, and in 2027, baptismBaptism The Sacramental rite of admission into the Christian Church. The candidate is immersed in or sprinkled with water in the name of the Trinity and may also be anointed with oil..
Lucy Walker, a young composer who has previously written music for the Choir of York MinsterYork Minster Popular name for the cathedral and metropolitan church of St Peter in York. Seat of the Archbishop of York, the cathedral was established in 627 by St Paulinus as a baptistery for King Edwin. The present building contains elements of the Norman cathedral of Archbishop Thomas of Bayeux, but dates largely from the 13th-15th centuries., was commissioned by Faith in the North to create a new choral music piece inspired by The Lord’s Prayer. Specifically written for cathedralCathedral (Latin cathedra' throne') Church which contains the throne of the bishop and hence the mother church of the diocese services and for choirs, the composition features two arrangements: one for choir and organ, and a simplified version for choir and piano. This versatility makes it accessible for a wide range of worshipWorship 1. Doing homage and giving honour and respect to God. The Bible includes a wide range of physical expression in worship, including bowing down, lifting hands, dancing, processions and singing. The main day on which Christians gather for communal worship is Sunday (the day when Christ is believed to have risen from the dead). 2. Christian liturgy including sung material and prayers of thanksgiving and praise. settings. The piece will have its debut performance during the service on 7 March, sung by the Choir of York Minster.
The Revd Canon Maggie McLean, Canon Missioner said: “York Minster is delighted to be playing a prominent part in the Archbishop’s initiative. The Lord’s Prayer tour across the Northern Province connects with the deep Christian roots of our heritage. Lucy Walker’s new composition reflects the power of The Lord’s Prayer to invite fresh creativity and inspire new, and deepening, faith.”
Reflecting on the project, Lucy said: “This project allowed me to reflect deeply on the profound meaning of The Lord’s Prayer. It is a constant and familiar part of worship for so many, and it was rewarding to consider how a musical setting could amplify the many-faceted message of the prayer. I hope it resonates with singers and worshippers alike and offers a moving experience for all who hear it.”
Following the 5.30pm EvensongEvensong The medieval English name for the office of Vespers (see Divine Office). Used in the 1549 Book of Common Prayer for the service which later prayer books call Evening Prayer Service, to which all are welcome to attend, light refreshments will be served and there will be an opportunity to hear more about the vision for Faith in the North, as well as a time of Q & A with Archbishop Stephen focussed on the Lord’s Prayer. To assist with numbers for this element following the service, please book your free ticket by visiting Eventbrite.
On 10 October 2025 there will be an invitation for all churches, schools and individuals from across the North of England to come together to say the Lord’s Prayer as one.
