This summer, members of Christ Church joined pilgrims from across the country on a journey through England, tracing the story of Christianity from its earliest days in the British Isles through the Anglican tradition that continues to shape our life together today. Led by Bishop Paul Donison, the pilgrimage was much more than a sightseeing tour. It was an invitation to step into the ongoing story of God’s faithfulness to his church.
“Throughout our journey together, we discovered the story of the church in England across the centuries, walked in the footsteps of pilgrims, and entered more deeply into traditions shared by generations of Christians,” Bishop Paul Donison said. “We explored the language and liturgy that uniquely shaped the English Church, from its humble beginnings to its magnificent cathedrals, and reflected on the lives of saints who launched daring missions, built monasteries and churches, guided kings and parliaments, and stood courageously against heresy and corruption. Along the way, we also saw how the worldwide Anglican Church continues to stand firm for the gospel in another great age of mission. I give thanks for the grace of God at work among us during these 10 days.”
From the quiet beauty of the English countryside to the bustling streets of London, to the hills of Durham and its Norman-style cathedral, to the historic cities of Oxford, York, and Canterbury—each location became an opportunity to remember that the church’s story did not pause after the book of Acts or suddenly resume at the Protestant Reformation.
God’s work has continued, century after century, through ordinary women and men who remained faithful to Jesus in their time—individuals such as Alban, Augustine, Aidan, Oswald, Hild, Cuthbert, Bede, Thomas Beckett, Julian of Norwich, William Tyndale, Nicholas Ridley and Hugh Latimer, Thomas Cranmer, John Wesley, William Wilberforce and Hannah More, and C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and John Stott.
For many participants, one of the greatest gifts of the pilgrimage was gaining a renewed sense of belonging. Seeing nearly 2,000 years of Christian history firsthand reminded them that our worship, prayers, and Anglican tradition are not isolated practices but part of a living inheritance passed down through generations of believers.
“Our pilgrimage to England with Footstep Ministries was truly one of the most meaningful trips we have ever taken,” participants and Christ Church parishioners Brian and Cheryl Buffington shared. “Bishop Paul Donison and Deacon Robert Kincaid brought the history of the English church, the Protestant Reformation, and our Christian heritage to life in a way that was both inspiring and deeply enriching. Every stop reflected the incredible care Paul and Robert put into planning this journey, making the experience seamless and unforgettable. Equally special were the friendships and Christian fellowship we shared with our fellow pilgrims, which turned this pilgrimage into a journey we will treasure for years to come. We highly recommend this experience to anyone seeking to deepen both their faith and their understanding of church history.”
Traveling together, sharing meals, worshiping daily, and reflecting on Scripture created a community that many described as one of the most enriching aspects of the pilgrimage. History came alive not only through the places visited but through the moments of shared reflection and wonder.
Most importantly, participants returned with a deeper confidence in God’s faithfulness. Across every century represented on the journey—even through times of persecution, political upheaval, reform, and renewal—the same truth emerged again and again: Jesus has faithfully sustained his church. And the many saints who have gone before us enlighten our own journey of faithful service in the Kingdom of Jesus. These perspectives have a way of changing how we see our own moment in history. As we learn to recognize God’s work in the generations before us, we become better equipped to recognize his work among us today.
Because of this year’s overwhelmingly positive experience, we’re already planning next year’s pilgrimage—and we invite you to join us!
The 2027 England Pilgrimage will take place May 30–June 9, 2027, once again led by Bishop Paul Donison alongside Deacon Robert Kincaid. Whether you’ve visited England before or have always hoped to go, this pilgrimage offers a unique opportunity to encounter the story of Christianity where so much of our Anglican heritage took shape. Together we’ll explore the places where the gospel flourished, worship in historic churches and cathedrals, and discover the remarkable continuity of God’s faithfulness from the earliest centuries of the church to the present day.
Registration is now open, and we would love for you to join us as we continue discovering the story we have inherited—and the God who has been faithfully writing it all along.
