St Matthew's CE Church in Burnley on national stage for BBC Radio 4 Sunday Worship broadcast
A church in Burnley is set to feature in a BBC Radio 4 broadcast this Sunday.
St Matthew’s CE Church will take part in the broadcaster’s well-known Sunday Worship programme as part of its thoughtful and timely ‘Common Ground’ season.
The broadcast marks a special and significant opportunity for the town to be heard and represented on a national stage, bringing the life of a local parish directly into homes across the country.
Vicar of St Matthew's Fr Alex Frost, who will deliver the sermon, said: “We are delighted to represent our town and Diocese and our local community. As there is so much news about division and intolerance, we are excited to show the many gifts and talents of our diverse and international community.
“We are honoured to share with the nation examples of excellent community cohesion and demonstrate that loving our neighbours, should always be a prerequisite for those who follow Jesus.”
The programme will focus on the important and deeply relevant theme of community cohesion, exploring how people from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences can come together in unity and mutual understanding.
Rev. Victor Sohail, curate in charge, St John’s, Cliviger, will introduce the programme, helping to set the tone and context for the service, while the Rev. Kat Gregory-Witham, associate priest, will lead the act of worship itself, guiding listeners through the liturgy.
In keeping with the emphasis on diversity and inclusion, members of the congregation with international backgrounds will play an active role in the service, ensuring that a variety of perspectives and experiences are heard.
Music will also form a key part of the programme, with the church choir contributing a selection of beautiful hymns to enhance the worship and create a sense of shared participation. The service will draw to a close with words of blessing offered by Burnley’s Area Dean, Fr Andrew Holmes.
Meanwhile the Bishop of Burnley, the Rt Rev. Dr Joe Kennedy, said he was delighted to hear of the visit by the BBC and added: “This broadcast is a hopeful witness to what God is doing in Burnley - drawing people together across cultures and stories, and reminding us that true community is built on love, respect, and a shared commitment to the common good.”
Listeners will be able to tune in to the broadcast on Sunday morning at 8-10am on BBC Radio 4.
For those unable to listen live, the programme will also be available afterwards on BBC Sounds and here on the BBC website – all of this providing further opportunity to engage with and reflect on this celebration of community life in Burnley.