The Mothers' Union for Blackburn Diocese is organising a powerful new exhibition to bring the often hidden issue of domestic abuse into the light. 

After setting up a partnership with Women's Aid last year a service was subsequently held at the Blackburn Cathedral on the 'International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women' (November 25, 2022). 

This year the Blackburn Diocese Mothers' Union is holding an Exhibition entitled 'The Souls of our Shoes' at Lancaster Priory from September 11-28, from 10am-4pm each day. Then, later in the year, following the 2023 'International Day' which is on November 25 the exhibition, with some revised content, will move to St Thomas' Church, in Garstang, from November 26-30, also from 10am-4pm. Both exhibitions are free and there is no need to book, you can just turn up.

The exhibition is based on an idea from the Scottish Interfaith Group on Domestic Abuse.

Gill Ireland, President of the Blackburn Diocese branch of Mothers' Union said: "Using words from survivors of domestic abuse, linked with representative pairs of shoes, the exhibition is a moving experience.

"We want to encourage MU members, clergy and church members as well as the general public all across Lancashire to take the time to visit.

"In setting up this event we hope to raise awareness of domestic abuse and its impact in our communities. After its appearances at Lancaster Priory and St Thomas, Garstang, we hope to make it available in other churches across the diocese in the future." 

• Download a poster about the exhibition here. 

Ronnie Semley, August 2023