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The Archbishop of York has collaborated with BBC Songs of Praise in the weeks leading up to Easter.

Dr John Sentamu will meet three women, each with an inspiring story of faith, to mark the Christian season of Lent.

Touching on themes of hope, love and forgiveness, each of the women’s stories demonstrate how faith in Jesus Christ has helped them overcome trials and challenges, and how they’ve taken remarkable and risky steps of faith. They have helped to change not just their own lives but those of others in their communities.

“One of the great joys of my work as I travel around the country is the opportunity to meet people who inspire and humble me. I hope that by hearing their stories and journeys of faith, you too will find your own lives enriched and your faith strengthened. I’m fascinated to find out more by meeting these three women, each of whom has demonstrated true Christian faith in action”.
The Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu

Maureen Greaves (BEM) of the Church Army had her life irrevocably changed in 2012 when her husband Alan was murdered on his way to play the organ for Midnight Mass at their local church. She publicly declared her forgiveness and prayers for the men who killed Alan. She has developed a community project, first started with Alan in their home which has now expanded to a local shop, community centre and garden allotments, providing for those on the margins of society. Maureen’s interview was broadcast on 12 March 2017 and is available to watch at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04wg1c1

Emily Finch graduated from university and instead of looking for a job, put all her savings into buying a second hand bus. She renovated it, set up a charity The Bus Stop, and now takes the bus to local communities as a mobile youth club. Working in partnership with local churches, Emily’s bus is a safe place for local young people to gather and, if they wish, learn more about Christianity. The interview with Emily Finch will be shown on Songs of Praise, BBC One, Sunday 26th March at 4.00pm – see http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b08kv7xn

Dr Gee Walker was thrust into the headlines 12 years ago when her 18 year-old son Anthony was murdered in the suburbs of Liverpool. Her outspoken forgiveness of her son’s killers and determination to campaign against hate crime has propelled her into the public eye. In her son’s memory the Anthony Walker Foundation now works to promote racial harmony through local community action. Dr Gee Walker’s interview is expected to be broadcast on Sunday 9th April and available afterwards at bbc.co.uk/songsofpraise

Each of these women contributed a chapter to John Sentamu’s: Agape Love Stories (DLT, 2016).