A CELEBRATION of the Lord’s Prayer is the subject of a new short film to be released on 6 May as part of the Archbishop of York’s Faith in the North initiative.
Then as Now has been created by the filmmaker Oliver Murray, an ordinand at St Hild College in the diocese of York.
Set in the landscape of the north-east, the eight-minute film interweaves the faith of northern saints from the seventh century — including St Cuthbert and St Hild — with the lives of Christians today.
Mr Murray said: “This film is about rediscovering the power of the Lord’s Prayer alongside the men and women who first shared it, spreading the light of faith in the north. It’s incredible to see how this ancient prayer still speaks to our hearts, offering guidance and comfort in every season of life.”
Mr Murray studied film as an undergraduate. In the decade since he graduated, he has continued to make films. His previous film, Cuthbert: A mystical short film for now (News, 10 November 2023), captures the doubts and isolation of the northern saint.
Faith in the North, a prayer, storytelling and church-planting movement led by Archbishop Cottrell, is encouraging people across the Northern Province to explore the Lord’s Prayer afresh during 2025 (News, 14 March).
“The Lord’s Prayer has been spoken through the centuries by countless people seeking strength, direction, and peace,” Archbishop Cottrell says. “If you’ve never prayed before, this is the best place to start and if you’ve been praying this for some time, it’s a great opportunity to engage anew with each line of the prayer. Join me in rediscovering Christ’s story in our hearts and communities today.”
The Faith in the North programme manager, Theo Sheridan-Watts, pointed to a suite of free resources available, including newly commissioned songs for children and choirs, collective-worship resources for schools, small-group resources, and a partnership with Thy Kingdom Come.
“We are glad that Oliver has brought his creative take on the importance of the prayer to the faith of the north and hope that it stimulates discussion and thought.”
As part of these resources, Then as Now will be available to watch from the Archbishop of York’s YouTube channel from 6 May.
Watch the trailer for Then as Now here