When John Bell met Ricky Ross
In 1986, a young teacher met a group of singers in Glasgow city centre protesting against apartheid in South Africa. The leader of that group become a renowned hymn writer; the teacher became the frontman of one of Britain’s biggest bands: Deacon Blue. Nearly forty years later, the pair meet up again to compare their experiences of faith, global song and justice.
Listen in to the warm, funny and inspiring conversation between the Iona Community’s John Bell and singer-songwriter Ricky Ross.
And Then She Said
John Bell’s book, And Then She Said offers a glimpse into the extraordinary lives of ordinary people, revealing the power of faith, the beauty of human connection, and the unexpected ways in which God can work in our lives.
John is known for his contributions to liturgy, spirituality and social justice through his work with the Wild Goose Resource Group and The Iona Community. He is a regular contributor at Greenbelt Festival and Iona Abbey.
“It is not an understatement to say that John Bell and Graham Maule are some of the most influential hymnwriters around the world. They’ve given the church songs to sing which are grounded both in the Bible and in the realities of life, rather than seeing those as two separate things.”
Iain McLarty, Wild Goose Resource Group
Ricky Ross is a singer-songwriter and the frontman of Scottish band Deacon Blue. Ricky spent his childhood in a loving Brethren community before embarking on a faith journey towards Catholicism where he is inspired by mysticism and social justice.
Photo credits: Iona Community, G Clark and www.rickyross.com
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