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Emily Swiatek

 

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Photo: Kippa Matthews

 

Emily Swiatek, had no interest in Christianity until she arrived at St John University College in York to study teacher training.

"In fact I was anti-Christian.  I thought it was all about rules, that it was boring."

Emily investigated other religious ideas, but nothing inspired her.

But among her fellow students were some Christians who happily spoke about faith:  "We became good friends.  Their faith impressed me.  I wondered if there was something in this."

Emily went to listen to a speaker at York Minster.  "I found myself saying: hey, hang on.  This could be true. 

"Then I went to a Christmas service at St Michael le Belfry in York, and I felt an amazing sense of love there.  Everything just clicked into place for me.   I just knew it was true."

After Christmas Emily considered the next step - being baptised and confirmed.  And she was baptised on Easter Sunday with three other people, and the service was taken by the Archbishop of York Dr John Sentamu (see picture).

"Being baptised by full immersion is really meaningful.  It symbolises dying - by drowning - and coming back to life - a completely different sort of life."

So how has becoming a Christian made a difference for Emily?: "I have a much better perspective on the world.  I'm much calmer and more centred.  Now, instead of getting stressed out, I just pray.  I'm learning that there is a much bigger purpose for my life, that this life isn't all there is, but at the same time I need to try my hardest to be the best I can be."

Emily would like to thank the Vicar and curate of St Michael le Belfry Revds Roger Simpson and Alison Lamb, and her university friend Rachel Gwynn.