Faith Viewpoint has this week seen the final column provided by Judith Cobban who has provided material for the past five years. 

Judith Cobban, who has gathered and shared spiritual insights from people of all faiths, and none, for the Gazette for the past five years, has stepped down as Editor of Faith Viewpoint from the end of June.

When Judith first took over the column in 2017 (from the late Jenny Ottewell) it was as a Lay Reader  and member of the Ministry Team at St Thomas’ Church, Kendal. After some years in Chichester, Judith recently decided to settle in Liverpool to be with her family.

She has decided, reluctantly, that it’s more practical to have someone based in Cumbria to look after the Westmorland Gazette’s Faith Viewpoint column.

 

‘It’s been interesting, inspiring, fun, sometimes hectic but always absorbing’ she says. ‘I am grateful to all the talented people who have contributed and I’ve always been fascinated to read their personal views of their particular spiritual experiences and the messages that they have wanted to share with the readers.’

The new Editor is Lois Sparling. A past contributor to Faith Viewpoint, Lois lives on the southern edge of Kendal and takes over from this week. She has been a member of St George’s Church ever since she arrived in the town 17 years ago and has recently been accepted for training as a Licensed Lay Minister in the Beacon Team Mission Community.

‘Faith Viewpoint is unique opportunity for people of faith to share their perspective directly with anyone who is curious enough to take five minutes to read the column – in print or online. It’s a huge privilege to take responsibility for continuing Judith’s legacy,’ says Lois.

She is keen to encourage new voices to contribute.

If you feel you might be able to write 250 words about how your faith helps you see the world, all you need to do is drop Lois an email at faithviewpoint@gmail.com.

Thank you Judith for your years of work.