10th December 2025

Bishop Jill leads Wembley celebration of Christianity and football

The Anglican Bishop of Lancaster, Rt Rev Dr Jill Duff, played a key role in a landmark event at Wembley Stadium this week, as The Football Association hosted Christmas: A Celebration of Christianity and Football.

The evening, on Monday, was part of The FA’s award-winning Faith and Football Series and brought together football and faith in a unique celebration of inclusion and community.

Hosted by Sky Sports Soccer Saturday presenter Simon Thomas, the event included welcome messages from the England Men’s and Women’s teams, a celebration of grassroots football and interviews with Christian footballing figures including Leyton Orient’s Omar Beckles and Brighton and Crystal Palace’s Joe Ward.

Hundreds of Christians from many denominations gathered in the Bobby Moore suite, welcomed by Cardinal Vincent Nichols. The event also included an interview with Martin Bateman, chaplain to Morecambe FC and CEO of Ambassadors Football. The event was produced by Religion Media Centre’s Michael Wakelin.

It concluded with an act of worship led by Bishop Jill, joined by the London Adventist Chorale and the Regent Hall Salvation Army Band, marking the Christmas season at the home of English football.

She spoke about the ‘miracle of Morecambe’ – how Christians had gathered at the Mazuma Stadium to pray for a buyer when it appeared the club would close after 105 years.

Two days later, the deal was signed.

Rev Alan Comfort, former professional footballer and Anglican priest, also spoke compellingly of following Jesus through the highs and lows.

Reflecting on the occasion, Bishop Jill said: “What an amazing privilege to worship at Wembley! To stand in one of the biggest stadiums in Europe, the home of English football and lift up the name of Jesus was such a joy.

“There was a beautiful sense of us joining with the worship of the angels in the heavenly stadium. The whole evening was a reminder that the beautiful game and faith both bring people together in hope and community.

“It was inspiring to see so many gathered to celebrate the love of God in such a unique setting. I am deeply grateful to Dal Singh from the FA for this inspirational Faith and Football series, and raising the game on weaving communities in our nation together through sport”.

Captions for the above photos, top to bottom:

• Bishop Jill leads worship at the celebration on the Wembley pitch
• Bishop Jill appears on the famous Wembley screen as she leads the celebration service
• London Adventist Chorale and the Regent Hall Salvation Army Band joined the Bishop on the pitch for the celebration service