AFTER delivering thousands of lectures down the years, Professor Morna Hooker will break new ground when she preaches at St Margaret's Church, Ilkley, during Holy Week.

Starting on Sunday the distinguished Cambridge-based lay preacher and author of 20 books will give nine sermons in eight days. Even in her mid-eighties this animated academic makes no concession to age.

The Vicar, Canon Philip Gray, delighted to land such an outstanding speaker, said: "Morna's most significant works is her Black's Commentary on the Gospel of St Mark which is recognised as one of the most important modern commentaries on the Gospel.

"It will be an immense privilege for us at St Margaret's to listen to a world-renowned New Testament theologian at our church and also for her, as a Methodist lay preacher, it will be a very new experience with our liturgical Anglican-Catholic tradition.

"When I met her a few weeks ago she was already asking acute and interesting questions about what we do and when we do it during Holy Week. It is going to be great having her around!"

Professor Hooker, the widow of fellow theologian and Methodist minister David Stacey, is eagerly anticipating her Ilkley experience and the chance to make new friends. "Once I'm into my stride, with my sermons ready for delivery, I hope to have plenty of time to familiarise myself with the beauties of the town and countryside which I've heard so much about," she said.

Morna is regarded as one of the most significant scholars of the New Testament of her generation, hence her position as the Lady Margaret Professor in Cambridge.

Fr Philip says he approached her as she has come to know his son Anthony at Robinson College, Cambridge, where she is a Fellow and Anthony is the Organ Scholar.

He added: "It was a bold step of inviting Morna and. I was thrilled when she accepted. Anyone is welcome to come and hear her preach at any of our Holy Week services. It will indeed be a unique and wonderful opportunity. and I'm delighted to hear that my Methodist friends in the area are publicising the services so we're all hoping for a memorable turnout and a successful week."

by Mike Casey