The Lancashire-born spiritual writer has turned away from the Catholicism of his childhood, but says ‘Jesus is what it is about’

“I knew from the age of six,” says John Siddique, poet and sacred teacher. “I was on a school swimming trip to Rochdale public paths. I was only able to swim side-to-side, not lengths, but I liked going under the water. That day when I came up to the surface there was a blinding flash of light. The minute I felt it, even at six, I’d always known. And I’ve always known since.”

Known what? “That God has not spared me. In the years since” – it took place half a century ago – “I have had to learn from things. I used to resist. Now I allow myself to be guided.”

Unfiltered and unabashed talk of spiritual experiences and glimpses of God usually only comes up in conversation after a long build-up of trust between participants, for example when on a retreat. But I have only just met Siddique for the first time, and we are sitting on opposite sides of a table in the impersonal environment of the British Library café in central London. The man opposite me in a white collarless shirt and waistcoat with a neatly trimmed tash and beard does not, however, entertain such coyness and so an encounter with him is strangely refreshing, even liberating.