The father of missing university chef Claudia Lawrence has issued an Easter message appealing for help to find his daughter.
Solicitor Peter Lawrence, who is a committed churchgoer, said he wanted to make a fresh appeal this weekend as "Easter is a time of hope".
Miss Lawrence, 35, who worked as a chef at York University, has not been seen for more than three weeks despite a massive police operation to find her.
Her father has met with his old friend the Rev Canon John Manchester, who has been the vicar of Old Malton for 33 years.
Miss Lawrence went to Sunday School at the church when she was a girl.
Her father has been in daily contact with the vicar since Miss Lawrence disappeared.
A statement, issued on Mr Lawrence's behalf, said: "Easter is a time of hope, a time when families can be together, a time in the Christian church for celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
"For Peter and the family, this is an impossibly difficult and bewildering time when life is on hold.
"They are gaining much strength from, and feeling sustained by, the prayers of those who have a faith and the compassionate thoughts of those who do not.
"They know that someone out there knows where Claudia is and hopes that, whoever they are, they will search their conscience and inform either the police or Crimestoppers. They are very grateful for everyone's kindness and now just wish for the safe return of Claudia to them and to her friends."
