Christine Viewpoint, by Derek Walmsley, Canon at Wakefield Cathedral, formerly vicar of Keighley Shared Church and St Mark’s Church Utley

I’VE BEEN asked to write this piece for you to bring a fresh perspective from someone who used to be a minister in Keighley.

When I moved last November, I had lived in the town for 21 years. If you attended baptisms, weddings or funerals then maybe I was the vicar involved and you may even remember me.

After all that time it’s been strange to live somewhere else. Although it’s officially a city, Wakefield is similar place in many ways, with all the joys and problems of modern life. The thing I miss most about Keighley is the people, many of whom I grew to know and love as friends.

When I used to pray about Keighley (and I still do), I often thought about a verse from the Bible, in the book of Jeremiah. He lived at a time when the people of Israel had to move away from their homes because they were taken captive to live in Babylon.

He brings a message from God which says: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”

It’s common these days to moan about everything, especially the government, town council and other leaders. Fair enough - sometimes it’s justified. But what are we doing about it?

Christians can pray and all of us can play our part in seeking the peace of our community. If it prospers, we prosper.

PS: This week my good friend Mike Cansdale will officially become the new Rector of Keighley. I’m sure he will be a great blessing to the town so wish him well and pray for him as he ministers among you.