Shoe-Polishing Bishops

A different take on foot-washing:

The Bishops of Birmingham and Leicester and the Dean of Peterborough are among senior clergy preparing to roll up their sleeves and cassocks today to clean and polish the shoes of dozens of office workers in towns and cities across the country.

The church figures are getting ready to buff the footwear of passers-by in a symbolic act echoing Jesus’ washing of his disciples’ feet on the night of the Last Supper, before his trial and crucifixion which are commemorated on Good Friday.

The Bishop of Birmingham, the Rt Rev David Urquhart, said: “The shoe shine is just a small demonstration that people who follow Jesus are prepared to roll up their sleeves and serve their communities.