IN Wallingford around 70 people have taken part in the Emmaus Christian nurture course to find out more about what their faith means.

The Revd David Rice, team rector, said Emmaus was set up two years ago, after The Bishop of Reading, the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, called for more nurture courses in local churches.

Mr Rice said: ‘Bishop Stephen said “a church without a nurture unit is like a hospital without a maternity unit”.’

The scheme began as local churches recruited people to lead and co-lead the groups. Since then there have been Emmaus groups run specifically for young people, and it has even been used as preparation for confirmation.

Mr Rice said: ‘We are trying really hard to find ways of giving people the opportunity to explore more of the Christian faith.

‘I think it’s encouraged us all to think more carefully about what our faith means. I think one of its great strengths is that it has made links across parishes.

‘It’s given people the chance to get to know one another much better. What has also been very positive is that it has allowed people who have been going to church for years to ask questions in an open way.’