David Jonathan (Grassroots and Luton Council of Faiths) has written about Luton’s first ever Swedish-style pilgrimage in the Faith Matters column for Luton Today.
The walk was led by three of our clergy: the Revds David Alexander (St Thomas, Stopsley), Mike Jones (St Mary’s, Luton), and Anne Crosby (St Anne with St Christopher, Round Green), and was inspired by a diocesan visit to Vadstena in Sweden earlier this year. In his article, David writes about how Swedish-style pilgrimage, shaped around themes like silence, simplicity and sharing, offer a space of reflection and meaning for a diverse group of participants.
Two of the walkers were also preparing for baptism the next day, making the experience especially significant for them. To read the full reflection, visit the Luton Today article.
Our partnership with the Diocese of Linköping
This pilgrimage is one of the fruits of our long-standing link with the Diocese of Linköping in Sweden. First established in 2007, the covenant between our two dioceses has been renewed regularly, most recently in November 2023.
The renewed covenant reflects a shared commitment to partnership in ministry and mission, grounded in prayer and mutual learning. Over the years, the relationship has included cathedral exchanges, interfaith visits, parish links and the recent pilgrimage to Vadstena. Both dioceses continue to explore how this link can grow and deepen in the years ahead.
Pilgrimage and the Year of Spiritual Renewal and Wellbeing
This year, as part of the Year of Spiritual Renewal and Wellbeing, we are encouraging people across the Diocese to rediscover the practice of pilgrimage, both as a physical journey and a spiritual one.
Rooted in the story of Saint Alban, the first British martyr, our diocese has long been a place of pilgrimage. From the great Easter and Alban Pilgrimages to the legacy of John Bunyan in the north, generations of Christians have walked, worshipped and witnessed here.
Pilgrimage opportunities this year include the John Bunyan Trail, an 82-mile route through rural Bedfordshire. Led by the Archdeacon of Bedford, the trail follows in the footsteps of Bunyan and explores the themes of faith, courage and transformation that shaped his life and writing.
Last month, the Revd Mike Stewart walked the full length of the trail dressed as John Bunyan, raising funds for Elstow Abbey’s new hall. Greeted with cheers and flags on his return to Elstow, the walk raised over £5,000.
As we continue through this year of renewal, we hope many more will find space to walk, reflect and reconnect with God, creation and one another.