One of Bermuda's best known clergymen has just released a collection of spiritual musings and has returned to the Island for a number of book signings.

Bishop Vinton Randolph Anderson's book 'My Soul Shouts' promises to inspire and challenge readers to think in new ways.

Originally from Somerset, Vinton Anderson was elevated to the position of Bishop in the AME church in 1972.

He currently presides over some 400 congregations in Maryland, Virginia and North Carolina and is based in Washington, DC.

Among the vignettes included in his book is a description of his feelings on returning to Somerset to preach as a Bishop.

"I returned home to Bermuda in 1972 following my election as Bishop in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and I could hardly wait to announce that Ruth Anderson's son was now a Bishop," he notes.

"It was important for me to sat it that way because my mother had been unwed when I was born some forty-four years earlier.

Mom herself had not lived to celebrate with me the great distance God had brought us.

"I was standing in the pulpit at Allen Temple AME Church in Somerset, the church where I had first answered the call to preach, in the community where my mother had enjoyed few pleasures and much pain.

"I just wanted to shout my achievement for her sake - and to her memory."

Bishop Anderson told The Royal Gazette he believes the book to be reader-friendly and hopes it will spur people to think in new ways.

Its title concept - soul shouting - is his moniker for intensely emotional periods in one's life.

"I many religious traditions people expect shouts to be audible and very external," he said.

"There are times when you don't hear a shout but you know it is going on in your spirit and in your soul.

"It is like a tear or a smile.

"There is no noise or outward sounds."

He added: "There are moments when there is a real tug deep within and we are wrestling with issues.

"Faith is not always sunshine.

"Sometimes there is rain.

"But coming through the cloudy days and the pain is the time when the soul shouts."

The book contains over 100 spiritual musings on a variety of topics.

While there are theological and philosophical aspects the work, Bishop Anderson said its main focus is the "human situation".

The book also includes a number of poems written by his wife of 50 years, Vivienne.

'My Soul Shouts' will be available for purchase at The Phoenix Bookstore in Hamilton.

A book signing with Bishop Anderson will take place Friday from noon till 1 p.m. at the book store and another is planned for Thursday at City Hall between noon and 2 p.m.

Bishop Anderson will also be preaching at his home church, Allen Temple AME in Somerset this evening at 7.30 p.m.

"I hope to tease some thoughts out of people," he said.