THE Bishop of Durham has taken part in a series of chat shows to encourage people to air their opinions on tough social issues.

Reverend Paul Butler staged a series of mini soap dramas at Sunderland Minster with the Footprints Theatre Company and other special guests.

The five day event, called The Gap, finished on Saturday, and saw the Bishop take on a different theme each day. The themes included food, image, money, life and death and relationships.

Bishop Paul and his guests took part in debates about some of the key issues facing the church and the wider society, supported by drama and music.

The idea was to create a relaxed setting in which people felt confident to ask tough questions and air their opinions.

The Bishop said that even though he had not agreed with everything that was said, it was important that such issues be aired.

He added that there had been some tough questions on faith, conflict, money, assisted suicide and foodbanks.

“The level of questioning has been quite intense. People have said that they felt they could ask me a question when they might not do so after a service.” He said.

“Creating a setting where people can ask those difficult questions has helped. The idea was to get people thinking. They have asked some tough questions throughout the week.”

Footprints artistic director Steve Stickley added: “We wanted to create a platform that was meaningful and entertaining and would grab people and give them the opportunity to fire questions at the Bishop.”