Shoe shine of the times

Joanne Schofield is pictured with the Rev Derek Palmer.

A CHRISTIAN tradition was carried out in Oldham and across Greater Manchester yesterday — but with a twist.

Bishops and clergy from Oldham, Bury, Bolton and Manchester shone people’s shoes in a modern take on the Christian tradition of washing feet on Maundy Thursday.

Taking part was the vicar of Oldham, the Rev Derek Palmer, and the Rev Nick Smeeton, who cares for Holy Trinity Church, Coldhurst, and St Stephen’s Church, Lowermoor.

For years, clergy have re-enacted the Last Supper and washed the feet of parishioners on the night before Good Friday, the day Jesus died.

The shoeshine was designed to show the necessity for the Church to serve people in need.

Rev Palmer said: “It was a humbling experience. It’s a modern symbol that the Church is here to serve.”