Bishop's shoe-shining raises £400 for charity

Bishop John Davies spent Maundy Thursday shining shoes

The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon raised just under £400 for charity shining shoes last Maundy Thursday.

The Right Reverend John Davies spent three hours on his knees cleaning the shoes of visitors to Swansea Market.

It is the fourth year in a row he has done the shoe-shining. He was thrilled at the result, despite the uncomfortable work.

The money raised will be donated to the bishop's annual Lent Appeal, which this year is supporting the Welsh Dragon Burns Club, based at Morriston Hospital Burns Unit, the Kaleidoscope Project serving people with drug and alcohol problems, and ZANE, which is regenerating communities suffering oppression in Zimbabwe.

Bishop Davies said, "Some people were a bit gob-smacked by the prospect of a bishop shining their shoes; some people now come by every year; but everyone who took part was good-humoured and generous.

"I'd like to thank them for their kindness and I'd also like to thank the authorities at Swansea Market for their co-operation and again allowing me my usual pitch."

News
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches
The first Christmas song to be sung in churches

Every Christmas, people sing the song “While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night”. Unlike many other songs and carols that include elements of non-biblical tradition and myth, this song is pure Scripture. It was the first Christmas song authorised to be sung in the Church of England. This is the story …

The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914
The story of the Christmas Truce of 1914

On Christmas Eve in 1914, many men were in the trenches fighting the war, but the spirit of Christmas halted the conflict for a brief period. This is the story …

Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land
Report highlights injustices experienced by Christians in the Holy Land

Jerusalem Church leaders have released a report detailing the struggles and challenges currently faced be Christians living in the Holy Land.

Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?
Have you lost the wonder of Christmas?

For you who have been followers of Jesus Christ for a long time, maybe the pain and suffering of this world and the darkness you have had to live through this past year has gotten you down to the point of complete and utter discouragement. But all is not lost.