Meet your Bishops
Diocesan Research Project

In 2006 I invited Ripon College Cuddesdon to assist us with a project to research some of the issues facing us as we begin the twenty-first century.

The first stage of this project was undertaken by Dr Wendy Dackson, who spent time in the Diocese, interviewed a large number of people, and engaged with a number of groups and a range of contexts. These headlines from her report provide an Initial Survey which begins to highlight key issues, and indicates areas for further investigation and reflection. This next phase is benefiting from the continuing assistance of Professor Canon Martyn Percy and Dr Helen Cameron from Cuddesdon. I am inviting other groups to develop the analyses so that we can identify opportunities and challenges more clearly, and thus give focus to our prayers and to subsequent plans for the more effective use of these resources God provides.

We are making these initial reflections available to prompt further discussion and comments which can be directed to me at bishop@bishopofderby.org or The Bishop’s House, 6 King Street, Duffield, Belper DE56 4EU.

I append some of the issues which seem relevant to me in examining this initial survey. These are offered as a way of stimulating further analysis and exploration.

+Alastair

Download Report Document (PDF) >>

The full report is now being printed. A copy can be borrowed from the Bishop’s House in due course – further details will be given when this is available.