WITH the second largest diocese in the country to look after and a hectic schedule to go with it, the Bishop of Chelmsford needs to escape the daily pressures of life and unwind.

But you may be surprised to hear that, rather than putting his feet up in front of the TV, the Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell spends a lot of his spare time penning stories in his kitchen and writing poetry.

He describes the hobby as a “compulsive joy” and writes most days, inspired by his day-to-day experiences, as well as by other authors and poets.

A number of his works have been published, including a book of children’s stories and books specifically for non-churchgoers.

His latest offering, the Nail, is out now.

The story is a reflective account of the crucifixion of Jesus. It features perspectives from seven characters, including Pontius Pilate and Judas Iscariot. Each justifies the part they played and blame is passed between them to a degree, but the reader is invited to ask themselves if they would have behaved any differently.

It was inspired by a Good Friday presentation carried out by the Bishop and a group of others in 1987 when he was two years into his curacy at Christ Church and St Pauls, in Forest Hill.

The Bishop, who grew up in Leigh-on-Sea, hopes it will be more than just a book and some churches could use it in the way he did more than 20 years ago, as a play. It can also be used as a Lent study guide.

Although the book is quite small, just 74 pages, Bishop Stephen said keeping it short was deliberate.

“I get told to keep the books little,” he said.

“A lot of people don’t read books at all and can be daunted by big books, so it’s an easy read and is accessible to those who don’t go to church, but perhaps are interested in it.”

Since he has been a published author, fan mail has even dropped through the Bishop’s letterbox from people who have enjoyed his books.

He said: “It’s really humbling to think someone has read it and so enjoyed it they write to say so.”

“I would write just as much if I was not published though. The desire to write is deep inside me – it’s the only thing I was good at at school.

“I have quite a busy job and the writing is something I do in my spare time. I’ve nearly finished the next book. I quite like writing in the kitchen, where I’m not distracted by the bustle of things happening around me.”

The Bishop has now been in the post for a year and with 600 churches in his patch, which includes all of Essex and parts of East London, it has been busy.

“I’ve really enjoyed it,” he added.

“My aim in the first year was to get to know people and to be known. I’ve also instigated a large process of reflection about helping the church to decide what its priorities are for the future.

“Not as many people go to church as was the case 40 years ago, but numbers are better than people realise – more people go to church than Premiership football matches, so you’re still talking about millions of people.

“We’re not at all downhearted about our future – we’re quite upbeat at the moment.”

The Nail is priced at £7 and is available online and in Christian bookshops.