John Pitchford’s new book Discovering the Faith is the one we’ve been waiting for. Originally written as a series of articles for the Birmingham Post, this excellent book presents the Christian faith and practice in a friendly format. It is clear, simple and concise, and written by someone with long experience as a parish priest. He speaks with authority and common sense.

The basic shape includes articles on God, the Bible, the life, death and resurrection of Jesus; the seven sacraments, and seasons and festivals of the Church’s year. Then comes Church history up to the present day. Thorny issues such as liberalism and the ordination of women are tackled honestly and openly leaving the reader to decide. Then creeds, commandments, worship, prayer, rule of life, vocations, customs and signs round off a comprehensive tour which leaves the reader enlightened, encouraged and inspired.

At the start the author makes it clear that he is restating the traditional faith as it has been accepted through the centuries. He admits that Christianity is a large and complicated subject and hopes the articles will inspire the reader to further study and hopefully a leap in faith. Recent years have seen a massive growth in courses and materials to nurture new Christians and introduce non-Church people to the basics of Christian faith and practice. Among these are the Alpha and Emmaus courses widely used and appreciated by so many as stepping stones to deeper commitment. Discovering the Faith stands alongside these as an account of Christian faith that is reasonable, intelligent and wholly in accordance with scripture and tradition. It deserves to be used widely.

This is just the thing to put into the hands of confirmation candidates and new members of the congregation enquiring about the faith. Among these could be included those who ask for baptism for their babies and couples preparing for marriage. Again, it is a useful refresher course for all church members – it will help us to know our faith and increase our confidence in sharing it with others. The author advises only one chapter to be read and pondered each day and hopes readers from outside the Church will be helped to find the love of God in Jesus Christ through regular worship. He emphasizes quite rightly that we are all searching, ‘You cannot learn to swim without getting into the water. So with the faith. We are all making a spiritual journey or pilgrimage through life.’

Paul Greenwell is Vicar of St Mary the Virgin, Hunslet, Leeds

In an age when the fundamentals of the Christian Faith are increasingly attacked, not only by secular sources but also from within the Church, there is a need for a clear and concise account of the authenticity of those orthodox beliefs. John Pitchford's book does just that, and will be an invaluable aid to new Christians, as well as to those looking carefully at their own long established beliefs.

Father John Pitchford has a long experience as a parish priest, and has compiled a systematic answer to many of the questions that lay members of the Church have brought to him over the years. This will provide a useful tool for anyone wishing to know more about their faith".