Shaping Faith: exploring God, life and the Church of England

In this Episode for Ordinary Time Frs George and John discuss something extraordinary: Artificial Intelligence. Their discussion is within the framework of their perspectives as priests, particularly in light of Pope Leo XIV's Encyclical "Magnifica Humanitas".An audio version of "Magnifica Humanitas" can be heard here: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2026-06/audiobook-of-pope-leo-xiv-s-encyclical-now-available.htmlThe podcast Fr George recommend can be listened to and watched here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CcYToxtmFHs&t=2937sIf you like to get in touch with the team to share thoughts or to suggest a subject for discussion, they can be emailed on [email protected]

In their episode for Lent this year, Frs George and John stick with the theme of vocation, but this time they are thinking about the vocation of the Church. Particularly in Lent and surrounded by much wilderness and division in the world, they discuss how both the local and global Church might be called to respond. If you would like to get in touch with the team or suggest a topic that you would like to dear discussed, do send them an email on [email protected]

In the first episode of year three, Frs George and John record from a retreat, where they trained for ordination. They reflect  on their first awareness of call and how God calls different people in all sorts of ways. They explore the call to priesthood and the call outside of it, reflecting particularly on a book by Archbishop Stephen Cottrell. Do get in touch with the team at [email protected], particularly if there is a topic or question you would particularly like them to talk about.

In this shorter episode to round off the second season, Frs George and John reflect on the journey from Advent into Christmas. They explore how the shepherds help us do this and they discuss the Reith lectures for 2025. To get in touch, send them an email at [email protected]. Merry Christmas from both of us! 

In the last episode of this season, and the first for a couple of months Frs George and John begin by talking about a tragic death, which had to put the breaks on recording last's month's episode. They talk through the journey of that process and how it links with these weeks in November, which lead to the end of the Church year. They also look back to last month. With St Michael and all the angels as their characters to explore for this episode, they take a deep dive into the beliefs in angels. Do get in touch with George and John via [email protected] to let them know your thoughts, or any suggestions for what you would like them to cover in season 3 in 2026.

In this episode Frs George and John discuss Mary the mother of Jesus. Form the Mary we get in the four gospels to Marian theology and spirituality, they ponder who this woman was, some of the helpful and unhelpful ways she has been portrayed by the Church, and what she might mean for us and our faith today. Do get in touch with the team if you would like at [email protected] for feedback, a question for a future episode, or simply to say hello and that you listen.

In this episode for the end of June and start of July, Frs George and John dive into the character of St Peter and St Paul. From this starting point they think about the wide spectrum of characters God calls to His Church and they finish with some thoughts on 'The Quite Revolution' - early signs of growing numbers of Christians and people exploring faith. Please do get in touch with the team if you would like at [email protected]

Part two of their interview with former cabinet minister, ex-convict and now anglican priest, The Reverend Jonathan Aitken. George and John introduce the interview and theme of Easter season, before Jonathan reflects  on some the light and life that came after and sometimes during, his time in prison and afterwards as a prison chaplain and associate priest in two very different London churches. To get in touch with us, do send us an email at [email protected]

In their episode for Lent and Holy Week this year, Frs George and are in conversation with former cabinet minister and current priest and prison chaplain, the Reverend Jonathan Aitken. The conversation draws how Jonathan's journey from perjury, through prison and to ordination, ties in with the journey through Lent and Holy Week. The team can be contacted at [email protected], for questions for feedback or them to think about. 

In the first episode of 2025, Frs George and John look back at the start of the year, up to the point just before Lent begins. They begin with the Magi and go on to discuss modern philosophers, what helpful debate looks like and how faith helps in the face of suffering and the probelm of evil. Do get in touch with the show at [email protected]

This is the final episode of Fr George and Fr John's journey through the church year. They think through Kingdom season, the spirituality of remembering and the hope this season gives us, even if the world seems bitterly divided and tearing chucks out of itself. They are developing plans for a second season in 2025. Do get in touch with the team if you would like to give any feedback, ask a question or even suggest a character for them to explore  from the Christmas story, or who is part of epiphany season. Their email address is [email protected]

In the episode for September, Fr George and Fr John continue the conversation around the long period of Ordinary Time. They consider how the period pushes us to go deeper with our faith, 'beyond the punchline and into the poetry'. They also reflect on returning from summer breaks and why we might bless objects. Do get in touch with them at [email protected] with specific questions or thoughts.

In the episode for July, Frs George and John spend some time discussing how we can be fed by God and grow through habit, rest and journeys. They go on to explore how our faith can give us the right headspace to vote with confidence and grace in the national election. Do get in touch with them at [email protected] with specific questions or thoughts.

In this episode Fr's George and John look back at some of the biggest events that the Church has recently travelled through. They explore some of the themes that come out of these significant points and ponder how they connect to our current life and faith. Do get in touch with them  to submit questions or feedback at [email protected] 

In a first interview for the podcast, Fr's George and John are joined by The Revd Dr Joanna Collicutt. They discuss the joy of Easter, living well and dying well.

For March's episode Fr.'s George and John meet to discuss the holiest time of the year. They consider what happened and why Jesus died, alongside the power of digging deeply into the journey of this sacred week.

In the episode for this month, Fr.'s George and John discuss all things Lent, with the help of their first question from a listener in Bristol.

Fr's George and John meet near the beginning of 2024 for January's episode. Prompted by the Epiphany narrative of the wise men following the star to Bethlehem, they discuss their own calling and journey to become priests in the Church of England.

In a trial first recording, Fr's George and John meet to discuss the start of the new year, what it means to be in Advent, and the great light of God with us at Christmas.