Many church buildings contain Stations of the Cross, but many fewer contain Stations of the Resurrection. One Anglican church in Stoke on Trent changing this by creating their own Stations of the Resurrection through an imaginative church and community arts project involving a local artist.
St James’ Clayton’s Stations of the Resurrection project has brought together church members, individuals, groups and institutions in the community to create a unique set of Stations of Resurrection for installation around the walls of St James’ church. Church and community members explore the theological theme of hope and new life which threads through the nineteen Stations of the Resurrection. With groups working on one ‘station’ each, they create a collage of images which become the basis for an original artwork by highly regarded local artist Ian Mood. Amongst the groups involved have been adults, children, and young people from St James’, Place of Welcome Members, Keele Bach Choir Members, members of the Whispers of Hope group, members of Newcastle Foodbank, RE and Art students from Clayton Hall Academy, and staff and patients from Harplands Hospital. St James’ vicar Revd Dr Julia Babb is the theological facilitator for the project, working in partnership with Ian Mood as artistic facilitator.
The final Stations of the Resurrection artwork became a permanent feature in St James’ Church following their unveiling in October 2025; the collages created by church and community groups will live on as a portable exhibition. Each ‘Station’ is accompanied by a QR code enabling people to access content about the meaning and creative process behind the art. In due course a series of short films will unpack the Bible story and creative process behind each station.
The Stations of the Resurrection project is featured at the beginning of this video created by the Diocese of Lichfield, featuring new church and community initiatives in Staffordshire (00:00:00-00:03:02):