THE acting Bishop of Blackburn has spoken of his revulsion at child abusers like Jimmy Savile who have dominated the news recently.

In his Christmas message the Rt Rev John Goddard, Bishop of Burnley and acting Bishop of Blackburn, also spoke about the difficulties so many people in East Lancashire are having to put food on the table.

Bishop John, who will deliver the message at Blackburn Cathedral on Christmas Day, said: “Much is made of the power and influence some people can and do hold.

“Indeed there is the power for good but so often power is used to dominate and is used to harm or diminish people. Recently we have heard much about awful child abuse where adults have used their position to dominate the young, and exploit their vulnerability. This has caused our nation to shudder with revulsion.”

He said he had been heartened by people’s generosity in tough times.

Bishop John said: “East Lancashire faces difficult times during the recessions and yet there is a warmth and readiness to reach out to each other.

“Some urban areas, particularly in Burnley and Blackburn, are facing difficulties in making sure the food banks are well stocked.

“We might say that in the 21st century food parcels should not be necessary in our developed nation, but in East Lancashire over 930 a week are needed. “This is mind-blowing, but given that Lancashire people do not just sit back but assist where they can, in this, they reflect the service of God who comes in Christ to serve us.

“This Christmas I pray while we enjoy our festivities we do not neglect the needy. Perhaps also we could look to that care being realised in seeking how better to enrich the lives of others around us.

“For Christians this starts in honouring Christ himself, for our deepest need is met in him who came in poverty and simplicity, was born for us in a stable and gave us his life on the cross, so that in his rising to glory we find our true selves in his service and so develop the courage to serve each other.

“May you have a blessed Christmas.”