The Winding Road of Faith

But the book, part autobiography, part history and part theology book, also allows us to reflect on our own journeys.

After more than 60 years since he was ordained as a priest, the Revd Francis Chadwick looks back on the highways and byways he has explored through an eventful life.

His book, which is called 'The Winding Road of Faith - A journey through life, belief and humanity' recounts a remarkable life spent travelling in two senses: exploring other lands with his family, and examining his own faith.

The first part of the book tells the story of Revd Chadwick’s life – the development of his faith, the parishes he served until his retirement, his travels and the projects that he and his wife have supported in Uganda, Tanzania, Zanzibar, Dar-es-Salaam, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya and Namibia.

In the second part of the book, Revd Chadwick discusses faith in today’s challenging world: the history of Christianity (including discussion of the Crusades and the relationship between the Jewish, Muslim and Christian faiths); religion and science; the nature of morality; God in secular society; and Jesus’ vision for humanity.

The author says:

"Beyond all our human failures the love of God remains just as constant as the fine-tuned balance by which our Universe is perpetually kept in motion. His energy, like that of the Universe, is unchanging."

Although Francis has sometimes found his belief challenged by personal tragedy, it has remained strong through childhood, military service, family upheavals and his many encounters with the suffering of others.

"Love is the yardstick by which morality needs to be measured. Cosy armchair morality on its own is ill-equipped to deal with all the untold evil and suffering in the world."

Francis was born in Salford and brought up in Hull and the Yorkshire Dales. He was educated in Wensleydale and Durham.

After University in London and National Service in Winchester he was ordained as an Anglican priest and served in the dioceses of Ripon, Portsmouth (Isle of Wight), Birmingham, Guildford, Bath & Wells, Winchester, and then in Finland and Estonia. He travelled extensively across the Soviet Union during the Communist era and has visited numerous chaplaincies around the globe.

In retirement he and his wife, Jill, have visited and supported project in many African countries. Francis Chadwick lives in Devizes, Wilshire.

Published by Mereo Books, the book is available through internet booksellers and all good bookshops.

ISBN: 978–1–86151-876-7
Paperback: 392 pages 50 photos
RRP: £12.00