Following on from a pilgrimage walk around Oxford Archdeaconry in 2018 and Berkshire Archdeaconry in 2019, Bishop Steven is walking and cycling across the three deaneries of north Buckingham Archdeaconry over five days at the start of September.
"I will be praying in each of the 31 churches we visit for the renewal of our life and ministry, and especially for the renewal of the ministry of teaching the faith to new Christians.
I will be praying for the renewal of the life of our nation as we come to terms with all that is happening through the pandemic. I will be listening to God as I walk, and to ordinary (but extraordinary) church life across these three deaneries."
Bishop Steven spent the first day walking across the Buckingham Deanery, covering a ten-mile route from Hillesden through Gawcott, Buckingham and Maids Moreton, finishing in Leckhampstead. Day 2 sees the bishop crossing the Newport Deanery, stopping at churches in Newport, Lathbury, Sherington, Emberton, Olney and Clifton Reynes.
The pilgrimage goes through the Milton Keynes Deanery for the final three days, including one day of cycling. Bishop Steven stops to chalk and bless each church porch and prays with his fellow walkers and parishioners. In each church, the walkers pray together and Bishop Steven shares a short reflection on the book of 1 Peter.
See the full photo gallery on the Bishop of Oxford's Facebook page.