Bishops dust off their boots for prayer pilgrimage during Thy Kingdom Come

The Bishop of Bolton and the Bishop of Middleton, prayer pilgrimage across Greater Manchester and Rossendale

The Bishop of Bolton, Mark Ashcroft, and the Bishop of Middleton, Mark Davies, are dusting off their walking boots and preparing for a prayer pilgrimage across Greater Manchester and Rossendale between Ascension Day (25 May) and Pentecost (4 June) as part of Thy Kingdom Come.

They are joining with Christians across the country and of all denominations in praying for more people to come to discover more about the person of Jesus and the difference that being a follower of Jesus can make.

Wearing distinctive purple shirts and carrying a staff, the bishops will take one side of the diocese each, and will cover about 100 miles on foot as they criss-cross Greater Manchester, meeting people in schools, markets, parks, hospitals and shops.

Bishop Mark Ashcroft said: "We're really looking forward to meeting people out on the streets and talking to them about Thy Kingdom Come. What would life be like if God was in charge?

We'll be praying for God's blessing upon our lives, homes, schools and places of work."

Bishop Mark Davies said: "On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were locked in a room, fearful and dismayed. God sent his Holy Spirit and they went out onto the street to tell people the Good News that Jesus is alive. We'll be praying with Christians that they would be active in sharing their faith with others."

The pilgrimage culminates with a special service at Manchester Cathedral on 4 June at 3pm. All are welcome to the event, hosted by BBC Radio Manchester's Mike Shaft.