DIFFERENT ages, backgrounds, lives all telling a similar story featured in a fascinating and inspiring exhibition of huge black and white photo portraits on show in Crediton last week.
“This Is My Story” was telling in their own words how each found their Christian faith. Photographer is the Rev Huw Ryden, a military chaplain.
It was the inspiration of Katharine Otley, a Communications Officer for the Diocese of Exeter. The exhibition was at Crediton Parish Church until April 27.
When Katharine worked for the National Trust, she found that visitors connected with a place much more when they were told stories about the people who had lived there rather than just sharing details of the history or architecture.
“In the same way I want to help churches to share the incredible faith stories of Christians living in Devon today,” she said.
It was launched by the Bishop of Plymouth in Exeter Guildhall Shopping Centre in April and is touring Devon churches through the year.
The people featured all come from Devon and include scientists, farmers, military veterans, students, priests, musicians, medics, politicians and more.
Their stories cover illness, loss, bereavement, anxiety, depression, doubt, homelessness, hope, healing, peace and joy.
As the accompanying leaflet says, each person has spoken with honesty and bravery. For instance there is Rob, the Orange Elephant Ice Cream man and how they now farm totally by faith.
Or the man who said it had felt as if someone was pouring hot Castrol GTX over him, he had such a warm feeling of faith.
Or the Vicar who was a biker and spoke about feeling a powerful presence, or the woman who had an abusive childhood, loves chocolate and found the ability to forgive.
Or Jade, an amputee who had no interest in church until she was at a friend’s baptism and now, despite a lot of health problems, feels she is no longer alone.
Or Ben Bradshaw’s story and how he loves opera and Scumpy. All the stories are so full of feeling and truth.
It is an exhibition well worth taking the time to wander around and read and ponder when you find it in another church.
It has been curated by the Church of England in Devon and is also on Instagram.