A PACKED out mission event at Blackpool Tower Ballroom with 2000 people, youngsters giving their lives to Jesus at a Vocations Conference in a Church of England High School and a meeting of minds at UCLan Multi-Faith Centre.

These were just three of the highlights of a packed two day schedule when the Archbishop of York, The Most Rev and Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, visited The Church of England in Lancashire a week ago today.

During the two days the Archbishop also recorded a video diary of his experiences.

In the videos he speaks about various aspects of his visit including:

• Attending a ‘Vocations Conference’ for year 11s from across Lancashire at St Michael’s Church of England High School in Chorley

• An invitation to the Multi-Faith Centre at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in Preston

• A ‘Faith in the Middle East’ seminar at Blackburn Cathedral, where he also saw and comments on the ongoing development work adjoining the Cathedral

• The work of the Diocesan Environmental Group on a visit to an ‘eco-congregation in Hurst Green

• Discussions with politicians and business leaders in Blackpool

In the four video diaries the Archbishop also gives his positive reaction to the recently announced vision proposals for the future of the Diocese by Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev. Julian Henderson as well as his response to the mission event, entitled ‘Light in Darkness’.

The Archbishop issued his own call to faith and scores of people came forward in response. The Diocese had people ready to offer material to each of them to help them explore their decision further and to pray with them.

Diocesan Bishop, Rt Rev. Julian Henderson, said: “It was impossible to predict the exact numbers and a mission event can’t be ticketed as it would remove the element of spontaneity for those who wanted to invite friends or family at the last minute.

“I have written to all the parishes we know about who couldn’t get in and there has been great understanding of the situation.

“On the night we were delighted to hear spontaneous community singing in the foyer by some people who were unable to get a seat. This was a great witness in itself and got a round of applause in the ballroom, led by the Archbishop himself, who also made time to come out and speak to some of the people who were unable to get in.

“And, of course, we are now in the very happy position of searching for an even bigger venue for the next mission event!”

In his video diary Archbishop Sentamu speaks with delight about what he saw, heard and experienced across an exciting two days.

In the final of the four videos he says: “Christ should be at the centre of everything this Diocese does and there is a very clear commitment through your vision proposals that He will be at the centre of your thinking, planning and goal-setting going forward.”

Reflecting on the visit Bishop Julian added: “It was a fantastic two days and I have been tremendously encouraged by what the Archbishop has said and by what we saw going on across the Diocese during our tour. His support for our vision proposals is also crucial as we move forward.”