Leading MP's poems aid the Church in need

l-r: John Pontifex of Aid to the Church in Need (ACN), 'Another Country' author Sir Edward Leigh MP, Fr John Gilbert, Editor of St Paul Publishing, UK, and Fr Shinto Joseph, Administrator, St Paul's Bookshops UK (Image: © ACN)

The UK's leading MP has launched a book of poetry drawing on Mass readings - pledging to give half the proceeds to Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need (ACN).

Sir Edward Leigh, the 'Father of the House' - so named as the longest-serving member of the House of Commons in the UK Parliament - conceived of 'Another Country' during the height of the Covid-19 lockdown five years ago.

The book of verse takes the reader through what the publication's cover describes as a "A journey through the liturgical year in sonnet and haiku".

Sir Edward's verse draws on his regular attendance at daily Mass, which he has kept up even at the busiest of times during his 42 years as a member of Parliament.

While in Parliament he often attends Mass at the nearby Westminster Cathedral, which is next to St Paul's bookshop, the Catholic multi-media agency which is retailing his book.

Promoting the book, Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, stated: "The pattern of readings from Sacred Scripture for the celebration of Mass is rich in content, unfolding beautifully the fullness of the Word of God, day by day, week by week. With remarkable endeavour, skill and insight, Edward Leigh has brought together these two rich sources."

The human-rights campaigner and crossbench peer Lord Alton of Liverpool, a fellow Catholic, stated: "A lovely anthology of poems, verses and insights - providing encouragement and refreshment for battered souls - and wonderfully accessible."

ACN (UK) national director Dr Caroline Hull thanked Sir Edward for supporting the charity with his publication, adding: "We are certain that readers will be as inspired by its moving verse as we were."

Speaking at the book launch at St Paul's Bookshop, next to Westminster Cathedral, Sir Edward asserted the importance of his Faith as a driving force in his public life and described his journey towards publishing the book.

He was thanked by John Pontifex, head of press and public affairs at ACN (UK), which is receiving proceeds from the sale of the book to support the charity's vital work in aid of persecuted and other suffering Christians around the world.

Afterwards, Sir Edward told ACN: "'Another Country' celebrates my hope in God expressed through my regular attendance at Mass. I am delighted that book proceeds will go to support those who, because of persecution, are prevented from going to Mass at all."

ACN has received ongoing support from Sir Edward, who has been a long-standing champion of persecuted Christians, regularly raising individual cases of oppression and discrimination in the House of Commons and calling for action from the UK Government.

He has also chaired and sponsored many ACN (UK) events in Parliament, including a meeting in April with Auxiliary Bishop William Shomali of Jerusalem.

'Another Country - A journey through the liturgical year in sonnet and haiku', by the Rt Hon Sir Edward Leigh MP is available priced from St Paul's bookshops, priced £11.99 (plus postage and packing). Visit https://stpauls.org.uk/another-country.html

Read more about Aid to the Church in Need: www.acnuk.org