News and Events
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, has appointed the Revd Emma Sykes as the next Archdeacon of East Derbyshire.
Emma is currently serving in the Diocese of Birmingham, where she has lived for nearly 30 years. She began her working life in the charity sector working with young people facing homelessness and other challenging issues. As a youth minister at St Michael’s Church in Boldmere, she began to discern a call to ordained ministry. She trained at St John’s College, Nottingham and, in 2008, was ordained at Birmingham Cathedral.
She served her curacy at St Martin in the Bull Ring and became Associate Rector there three years later. In 2014, she took a break from full-time ministry and took a ‘portfolio’ approach, taking on a variety of different roles as a self-supporting minister including being an assistant Diocesan Director of Ordinands and a Bishop’s Advisory Panel advisor. She also worked part time for CPAS as a Leadership Specialist with a focus on young vocations and facilitating training for Curates and Incumbents.
In May 2020, she followed God’s call back to fulltime parish ministry, into her current role as Vicar of St Barnabas Erdington and Oversight Minister for the Erdington Area. Emma has been a member of General Synod since June 2024.
Speaking on her appointment, Emma said: “I’m delighted, honoured and a little overwhelmed to be asked to be the next Archdeacon of East Derbyshire. I’m looking forward to getting to know the people in the archdeaconry and supporting them to flourish in mission and ministry.
“Whilst I’m excited, I also carry sadness at leaving Birmingham Diocese and especially the people of St Barnabas whose resilience, generosity and joy has helped shape me as I follow God’s call to step into this new role.”
Bishop Libby said: “I am delighted that Emma has accepted my invitation to serve as Archdeacon of East Derbyshire. Her varied experience, both in parish ministry and other ministry contexts, will be an asset as she takes up this role within our diocese. I am looking forward to working with her as we follow our shared vision of the Kingdom of God as Good News for all, and seeing that come to fruition for the congregations and communities of East Derbyshire and across the Diocese. Please join me in praying for Emma as she prepares to join us next year.”
Further details about Emma’s Installation as Archdeacon will come in the new year.
The Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton, has announced his retirement.
Bishop Malcolm’s final day in post will be Thursday, 30 April 2026.
Bishop Malcolm was installed as the Suffragan Bishop of Repton on Sunday, 18 April 2021, following his consecration as bishop at Lambeth Palace on Wednesday, 14 April 2021. He was formerly Chief of Staff to Archbishop John Sentamu, the Archbishop of York, and was educated at Queen’s College, Cambridge.
On making the announcement, Bishop Malcolm said,
“It remains a joy and a privilege to me to serve as Suffragan Bishop here in the Diocese of Derby, and I look forward to continuing to share in ministry with Bishop Libby and all my colleagues across the diocese until I retire at the end of April.
I am going then in the hope that I shall have energy for a new pace and focus of life and ministry in Gloucester in retirement, where Pam and I will be moving in May. In the meantime, there is plenty to do, especially in this season of Advent, which reminds me always to look to the future with hope, in lively expectation of Jesus’ coming”.
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, said,
“I thank God for Bishop Malcolm and all he has brought to our Diocese. He is a generous, gentle and gracious colleague whose servant leadership has been transformative for me in my ministry and for our common life.
So many have benefited from his encouragement and care across our parishes, in the Parish Support Team and in the Board of Education. We have been richly blessed that he responded faithfully to the call to serve his episcopal ministry among us.
Malcolm’s ministry spans decades, the breadth of the Church of England and the wider Anglican Communion: we owe him a huge debt of gratitude.
We shall enjoy the next few months of continuing ministry and shared life with him, and I ask you to join me in prayer for him and Pam as they prepare for their move and all that God has in store for the future”.
Details are under way for Bishop Malcolm’s farewell service, and this will be announced in early 2026.
A wonderful congregation gathered on a very cold night on Thursday, 20 November 2025, to celebrate two Baptisms and 11 Confirmations presided over by the Bishop of Repton, the Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, together with the supporting priests who had been responsible for preparing and presenting the candidates.
In his address, Bishop Malcolm cited individual statements by the candidates in wishing to be confirmed and as an encouragement to all those present in our walk with God.
Nine-year-old Luke, the youngest candidate was well prepared for his confirmation. He attended the service supported by the Revd Nigel Rode from St Oswald’s Church, Ashbourne.
Luke was there with his Mum, Reina and Dad, Brian, and several supporters from Ashbourne who all felt close to this family who are much loved in the community. His confirmation clearly meant a great deal not only to him but in fact to them all.
Bishop Malcolm reflected, “It was a joy and privilege to be at St Mary’s Wirksworth for this special service. Confirmations are an invitation for people to renew their baptismal vows, receive prayer for a fresh anointing of the Holy Spirit, and to profess their faith publicly, often with family and friends there to support”.
As I write it is not even December yet but by 4pm it is already nearly dark! All the darker as the weather gets wilder and wetter, with the promise of the white stuff coming any day now. At least in the dark the snow will bring its own unique reflective brightness.
Whilst officially still autumn until December 21st – by which time the last leaf in Derbyshire will surely have fallen - these rapidly shortening days and lengthening hours of night shroud us in this season with foreboding, as much as in anticipation. These are the days we learn to appreciate the light, and begin to pine for more of it long before Spring comes.
Our regular seasonal gathering gloom is more than matched by the dark shadows which prevail in our nation and in the wider world. Like buses it seems existential crises all arrive at once – poverty and inequality, destructive weather events caused by climate change, and persistent conflict erupting in devastating wars. Dark days indeed for a world that had come to believe in progress. And most especially, for the poor, the vulnerable, and the dispossessed.
At our churches in Advent, Sunday by Sunday we hear the words of the Hebrew prophets. They were realistic about darkness, about human failure and sin, and its impact on the whole of society, especially on those who were most vulnerable – in that time the orphan, the widow, the alien or stranger. A society that failed to live up to God’s call to justice, integrity, and compassion was doomed to fail. Judgment was inevitable where people turned their back on the responsibilities of being human.
In the days of the Hebrew prophets there were those who thought you could away with thinking of your own nation only. But this was not the whole picture. In the scriptures and most especially in the New Testament we see a different perspective emerging – the recognition of the whole human family as created by God, invited to share in the ‘fullness of life’ which is Jesus’ gift to us.
The internationalism of the Gospel is a core value of the Christian faith. Contemporary versions of Christianity that revert to the attitudes of the Crusades are perversions of our faith. As the established church in England we have to be careful not to misrepresent Jesus, the Saviour not just of our people, but of all people. Why? Because ‘God so loved the world.’ Not just me and the people who agree with me. Not just my people, not just my ethnic group or my country, but the whole wide world. This includes everyone:
The orphaned child taken care of within a family fleeing the fighting in Sudan. The elderly woman who cannot understand why she has to leave her pacific island home, soon to be devoured by the rising sea. The young man fleeing persecution for his faith. All these, along with our friends and neighbours here at home and at school and at work, are part of that same human family into which Jesus was born, and for which Christ died and rose again. And yet the journey is so hard, and the way is so dark, for many today.
John Donne, 16th Century poet and Dean of St Paul’s in London, published a poem expressing the darkness of his grief at the loss of his beloved. On St Lucy’s day, 13th December, then believed to be the shortest day, he wrote of his experience of loss: ‘It is the year’s midnight, the Dies Lucies’. Not from 13th December, but from the end of the month, the days do begin to turn brighter and longer again. Donne in his darkness did not despair absolutely – he knew the light would return. So even in the thick darkness of December we detect the seeds of hope. As someone reminded me recently, during the winter there is life and growth – we just don’t see it because it is going on underground.
This theme of light and darkness stays with us throughout Advent, and then on Christmas morning the Gospel hope resounds: with Jesus coming ‘The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.’
May the light of Christ shine ever more brightly in our world and in our time, and in each one of us. We do well to learn from the Jewish Rabbi who asked his students: “how do we know when the night has ended and the day has begun?”
One bright student offered an answer: “When I look out at the fields and I can distinguish between my field and the field of my neighbour’s, that’s when the night has ended and day has begun.”
The rabbi shook his head. That was not it.
Another student answered: “When I look from the fields and I see a house and I can tell that it’s my house and not my neighbour’s house, that’s when the night has ended and the day has begun.”
No – that wasn’t it either.
A third student suggested: “When I can distinguish the animals in the yard – and I can tell a cow from a horse – that’s when the night has ended.”
Disappointed in his students, the Rabbi replied, and went on to say:
“When you look into the eyes of the person who is beside you and you can see that that person is your brother or your sister, when you can recognize that person as a friend, then, finally, the night has ended and the day has begun.”
May God open our eyes to the true light that has come into the world, and make us able to live in this light always.
‘The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world’ John 1.9. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.
The Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton
The Bishop of Repton
The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people ...’
Luke 2.10-11
The Church of England’s Advent and Christmas theme for 2025 revolves round a single word: Joy! Our churches will - as always - be seeking to make the most of the opportunity December brings to share The Joy of Christmas with their communities.
The great joy of Christmas, of course, is the good news the angel declared to the shepherds - the news of Jesus’ birth as Emmanuel (God With Us).
Click here to find a church near you
On this page you will find Advent and Christmas resources for churches, individuals and schools designed to help all ages to be drawn into the joy of the first Christmas.
We will be posting weekly videos and daily prayers on our Facebook and Instagram pages.
Watch Advent Sunday with Bishop Libby here
Watch 'What brings you Joy at Christmas' with St Peter's Belper community here
Watch 'Hope in the season of Advent' with Canon Julian Hollywell here
Watch 'What's your favourite Christmas Carol?' here
Watch ' Christmas Joy' with Steve Johnson here
On 16 November 2025, a special diocesan service was held for Safeguarding Sunday at St John’s Church, Walton, to give thanks for those working in safeguarding in our parishes and to remember victims and survivors of abuse. The service was led by both Bishop Libby and Bishop Malcolm, and the Diocesan Safeguarding team.
Safeguarding Sunday is an annual campaign led by the Christian safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight. Churches are encouraged to reflect on and improve their safeguarding practices to ensure vulnerable people are protected. The key theme for 2025 is "Action Speaks Louder".
Bishop Libby gave thanks for all those working for the good of our church and communities: to repent of our failings and hold before God all those who have been hurt or harmed by our action or inaction; and to look to the future, committing ourselves afresh to seek the Kingdom of God by playing our part in being a safer church.
Bishop Malcolm focused his sermon on the reading in the service from 1 John 3.16-24 where St John said, “Dear children, let us not love with words or speech, but with actions and in truth. Loving in action and in truth”.
He highlighted that “we should model ourselves on the example of Jesus, in whom the truth is spelt out in both action and words. It’s all very well expressing sympathy, or empathy – but if “I am not willing to lift a finger to help”, or to “dig deep in my pocket to help”, what use am I? ‘I hear what you say’ or ‘I hear your pain’ is all very well – but what do I do to make up for the damage done? Action speaks louder than words”.
“As St Theresa of Kolkata taught, we should spend more time washing feet, so there is less time for throwing stones. How we and the world all need to learn that lesson”.
“Talking of words, truth matters. In the media, in daily life, and especially when it comes to safeguarding. Listening well, getting it right, telling it clearly, not twisting others’ words, but speaking and acting, in love”.
Lisa Marriott, Head of Safeguarding and Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, gave her thanks to Parish Safeguarding Officers for their ongoing commitment to safeguarding, highlighting that their vigilance, care, and willingness to embed safeguarding into the life of our churches makes a real difference.
She said, “Together, we are creating communities where everyone feels safer, valued, and protected. This work is not always easy, but it is vital, and your dedication is deeply appreciated. Safeguarding is not a tick-box exercise. It is a reflection of our faith, it embodies the core values of care, protection and justice that lie at the heart of Christian teaching. Let’s continue to build a church where safeguarding is not just a standard, but a way of life”.
The Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) successfully launched their recognisable symbols project; all housed in one website – www.accessiblechurch.net.
The symbols enable churches to make a positive difference by openly displaying the accessibility available to support worshippers with all kinds of disabilities and neurodiversity.
As a result of this project, Helen James, Disability Project Manager for the Church of England confirmed that the symbols will be made available for all parishes throughout all dioceses to use and implement.
They will feature in a free national webinar on Tuesday, 4 November 2025.
As the diocesan lead on the project, Bishop Malcolm Macnaughton said “‘All people, including those with all kinds of disabilities and neurodiversity’s, are made in God’s image, and called to be disciples of Jesus, reflecting God’s glory by the way we live. Church communities want to be welcoming and inclusive to everyone, but we struggle to make everything equally accessible for all needs. These symbols make this easier by making it clear to everyone what is possible in a particular church building and what is not. My prayer is that churches will find that communicating clearly helps people with a range of needs feel at home in church, and able to play their part. ‘
Carl Veal, Chair of DIAG, said “The Disability Inclusion Action Group comprises clergy and lay people with a range of disabilities, from across the Diocese of Derby. Their aim is to see disability inclusion taken seriously in our churches and across the Diocese. Their work is focused around three key themes - Attitude, Access, and Agency.”
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Journeying together: a summary of Diocesan Synod, 18 October 2025
Diocesan finances and our Net Zero Carbon strategy were the focus of conversation at the Derby Diocesan Synod, as it met for its 147th session on Saturday, 18 October in St John’s Church, Walton.
This was a really active meeting and our thanks to everyone who attended and provided their input.
If you want to know more, read the summary of the meeting here.
St Peter's Church in Hartshorne is delighted to announce that we have been awarded a generous grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to support essential repairs to our historic building and develop a hub for our local history. The restoration work is scheduled to begin next spring and will focus on preserving the church’s architectural integrity for future generations.
As part of the project, there will be opportunities for the local community to get involved. This includes educational activities and engagement sessions with our local schools and the village community, offering a chance to learn about heritage conservation and the church’s rich history.
Debbie Patrick, Churchwarden of St Peters Church. “We are very excited to get this project going; giving us the opportunity to do much needed repairs to our village church, which has stood on the hill in Hartshorne since the 15th century and has played a significant role in the life of our village for many generations; seeing the villagers through good times and bad, feasts and famines, peace time and wars. The restoration works, undertaken by ASBC of Melbourne - www.asbc.ltd - will be the beginning of ongoing work to ensure that our church remains a vital part of our community for many years to come; not to mention the fantastic opportunity this project gives us to explore and display the history for visitors and locals alike for years to come”.
We are grateful for the support of the The National Lottery Heritage Fund and look forward to working closely with the community throughout this exciting project.
Madelaine Goddard retired from Derby city deanery after over ten years as their lay chair. At the most recent meeting of the Deanery Synod (October 2025) Madelaine offered a typically grace—filled retirement speech.
Rev’d Sarah Watson, Area Dean of Derby city, thanked Madeline for her support and wisdom and presented her with flowers and a crowd-funded gift as a token of the deanery’s great appreciation.
Archdeacon Matthew Trick, Archdeacon of Derby and South Derbyshire, commented, “Madelaine Goddard has been a faithful servant of Christ, guiding Derby City deanery from the two city deaneries merging into the present deanery, and successive Area and Asst Deans. She has held the deanery as Lay Chair with care and prayerfulness, offering helpful wisdom and insight into discussions across diocesan life. We are truly grateful for Madelaine's long and faithful service”.
Photo: Revd Mina Mumms presents Madelaine Goddard with a bouquet of flowers.
Derby Cathedral welcomed people from all over the diocese on Sunday 5 October for the second Bishop's Badge service.
This special service celebrates ministry and service in the church and the community. The Bishop of Derby’s Badges presented recognise the distinguished service and dedication of many individuals contributing in Jesus’ name to the mission of the church. The service was led by the Right Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Very Revd Dr Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby. The Reflection was given by the Right Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton. Music for the service is sung by the Cathedral Voluntary Choir.
Awards for Missional Innovation
Jane Baker, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Keith Brown, St Peter, Hope
Steve Burton, St Edmund, Allestree
Mandy Cairns, Gresley
Sue Leese, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Michael Lilley, Stanton in Peak
David Stuart, St Francis, Mackworth
Sue Stubbs, Gresley
Lucy Thompson, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Helen Walker-Foss, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Edlaston, Ednaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Sonia Wright, St Bartholomew, Whittington and St Barnabas, New Whittington
Awards for Missional Service
Susan Abbott, Bolsover Parish Church
David Baker, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Cheryl Baxter, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston
Paul Baxter, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston
Tony Betteridge, Emmanuel, Swadlincote
Adrian Blanksby, St John the Evangelist, Newbold with Dunston
David Brierley, St Matthew, Darley Abbey
Jane Burton, St Edmund, Allestree
David Chinn, Brimington
Ann Cleaver, St John, Walton
Anne Cogley, St Edmund, Allestree
Jennifer Crump, St Giles, Killamarsh
Sue Duffill, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston
Roger Easton, St Mark’s Church, Winshill
Sheila Exley, All Saints, Ockbrook
Francine Franklin, St John the Evangelist, Hazelwood
Joan Garrett, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby
Sue Goodhall, St Lawrence, Great Barlow
John Gratton, The Parish of St Matthew
Jerry Haynes, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Katrina Hayward, Saint George the Martyr, New Mills
Doreen Hickman, Sinfin Moor Benefice
Richard Hughes, The Parish of St Matthew
Michael Joyce, St Mary and St Lawrence, Bolsover
Patricia Kellogg, St John the Evangelist, Hazelwood
Janet Leigh, Christ Church, Belper
Joyce Lewis, Kirk Hallam
Janet Love, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby
Margie Martindale, St Michael, Sutton-on-the-Hill
Ann Morton, St Matthew, Renishaw
Kevin Needham, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Lesley Needham, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Lisa Ollerenshaw, Boulton St Mary, Alvaston
Vicki Owen, St Barnabas, New Whittington
Andrew Pollett, Christ Church, Belper
Frances Prockter, St Luke the Beloved Physician, Derby
Barbara Rawson, St Luke the Beloved Physician, Derby
John Richardson, Saint George the Martyr, New Mills
Beth Robson-Smith, St Thomas and St Mark, Brampton
Andrew Rosser, St Peter and St Paul, Old Brampton
Lindsey Schroeter, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Samantha Sharland, Emmanuel, Swadlincote
Helen Shaw, St Lawrence, Great Barlow
Michael Shepherd, St Anne, Derby
Judith Slater, Sawley
John Smart, Cathedral of All Saints, Derby
Frank Stevens, St Anne's, Derby
Muriel Stirland, Brimington
Simon Thompson, The United Benefice of Brailsford with Ednaston, Edlaston, Osmaston, Shirley and Yeaveley
Carl Veal, St Peter, Chellaston
Allan Voice, St John the Baptist, Ault Hucknall
Chris Willis, St Edmund, Allestree
Sonia Wright, St Bartholomew, Whittington and St Barnabas, New Whittington
In September, Bishop Malcolm visited Sinfin Moor church for a special tree planting service to help celebrate the installation of solar panels and their commitment to a sustainable future.
The church paid for the panels with help from the Church of England's 'Give to Go Green' initiative. What began as a spark of vision in Lent 2022 has now blossomed into a vibrant eco-journey, with the whole congregation and wider community coming together to make it happen.
Revd Gael Browne, Assistant Curate at Sinfin Moor Church shares their experience:
Our story began in Lent 2022, when, as a church, we explored the book "Embracing Justice" by Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley. One session on climate justice particularly challenged us, and a retired member of clergy in our congregation, the Revd Eileen Bangay, felt deeply that she had heard from God regarding our call to creation care as a church.
With Melanie (steward) and Joshua (Church Warden) forming a small team alongside Revd Eileen, we took our first step by registering with A Rocha UK’s Eco Church scheme in early 2023.
Momentum quickly built, and by that summer, community groups such as the Guides and Rangers were joining us in eco-focused activities. In June 2023, we were delighted to receive the Silver Eco Church Award, as well as the Bronze retrospectively.
Spurred on by this momentum, our vision continued to grow. By August 2023, we began researching the possibility of installing solar panels. As we are an LEP (Local Ecumenical Partnership), we were able to approach our various denominational partners for support. In early 2025, we received confirmation of successful grant applications from the Methodist Church and the URC Church. This was a huge encouragement that our dream of using more sustainable energy could become a reality.
The real breakthrough came in May 2025, when we joined the Church of England’s 'Give to Go Green' scheme. With encouragement and visits from our Diocesan Parish Support Officers, we set out to raise £5,000 in just six weeks so that match-funding could be unlocked. Through coffee mornings, a beetle drive, a sponsored Bible reading, and a shared lunch, our congregation and community rallied together, and we reached our goal!
Wendy, a member of the congregation, says:
“I love the fact that Sinfin Moor Church has taken responsibility for installing Solar Panels to help reduce the greenhouse effect. It is a great witness to the surrounding community as to how much we care for Father God's creation.”
By August 2025, the solar panels and battery system were installed. In our very first week, we were already feeding energy back into the national grid; a visible sign of stewardship and sustainability in action.
This has been a journey of faith, community, and determination. We wanted to respond to God’s distinct call to care for creation, and it has been amazing to see people inside and outside the church joining together to make this vision a reality.
As the psalmist reminds us: “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it” (Psalm 24:1). Installing solar panels is just one way of living out our calling to steward God’s world faithfully.
With lower bills, greener energy, and a renewed witness to our community, we pray that our journey will encourage other churches across the Diocese to explore the Eco Church path and seize the opportunities offered by initiatives like 'Give to Go Green'.
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby today reflected on the announcement of The Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE to be the next Archbishop of Canterbury
“I am delighted that Bishop Sarah has been nominated as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury. I have long valued her as a colleague, and I look forward to serving with her as she leads the Church of England and the Anglican Communion in the coming years.
I am grateful for all the gifts and experience she brings from her work before ordination as Chief Nursing Officer, and the rich episcopal ministry she has offered in both the Diocese of Exeter and latterly serving with humility and courage the diverse communities that make up the Diocese of London. She will be a huge blessing to the wider Church and the nation as our next Archbishop.
This is a significant moment for the Church of England and the worldwide Anglican Church; please join me in praying for Sarah and her family as she takes on the enormous challenges and responsibilities of archbishop ministry.”
His Majesty The King has approved the nomination of the Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally, as the next Archbishop of Canterbury, Downing Street has announced.
Bishop Sarah will be the first woman to hold the office.
She will be installed in a service at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026. Sarah Mullally has been the Bishop of London since 2018, the first woman appointed to that role, and before that was Bishop of Crediton in the Diocese of Exeter. Prior to her ordination in 2001, she was the Government’s Chief Nursing Officer for England – the youngest person ever to be appointed to that role at the age of 37 – having previously specialised as a cancer nurse. Bishop Sarah has described nursing as "an opportunity to reflect the love of God".
The Crown Nominations Commission (CNC) for Canterbury nominated Bishop Sarah following a process of public consultation and prayerful discernment that began in February this year. The Canterbury CNC was made up of representatives from across the Church of England, global Anglican Communion and the Diocese of Canterbury.
Bishop Sarah said: “As I respond to the call of Christ to this new ministry, I do so in the same spirit of service to God and to others that has motivated me since I first came to faith as a teenager.
“At every stage of that journey, through my nursing career and Christian ministry, I have learned to listen deeply – to people and to God’s gentle prompting – to seek to bring people together to find hope and healing.
“I want, very simply, to encourage the Church to continue to grow in confidence in the Gospel, to speak of the love that we find in Jesus Christ and for it to shape our actions.
“And I look forward to sharing this journey of faith with the millions of people serving God and their communities in parishes all over the country and across the global Anglican Communion.
“I know this is a huge responsibility but I approach it with a sense of peace and trust in God to carry me as He always has.”
Lord Evans, Chair of the Crown Nominations Commission for Canterbury, said: “It has been a great privilege to have chaired the Crown Nominations Commission as it sought to discern who God is calling to lead the Church of England and Anglican Communion as Archbishop of Canterbury.
“That discernment began with the public consultation, which heard the voices of thousands of people as they expressed their hopes for this nomination, and continued all the way through to the Commission’s final meeting.
“I would like to thank all those who took part in this process, particularly those who took time to share their views in the consultation and the members of the Commission who worked so diligently over several months, ably assisted by the Appointments Secretaries and by the Appointments and Vocations team at Lambeth Palace.
“I shall be praying for Bishop Sarah as she prepares to take up this new ministry in the coming months.”
Bishop Anthony Poggo, Secretary General of the Anglican Communion, said: “I welcome and commend the nomination of Bishop Sarah as the next Archbishop of Canterbury and invite the churches of the global Anglican Communion to pray for her as she prepares to take up this important ministry.
“May God grant her wisdom and discernment, as she seeks to listen to Member churches, encourage mutual support, and foster unity.
“The Anglican Communion Office is fully committed to supporting her ministry as she works with other Provinces and the Instruments of the Anglican Communion.
“Let us pray that God will pour out His Spirit on the Anglican Communion to boldly share Christ's transformational love and the hope of the Gospel in today’s world.”
Holy Trinity Church, Chesterfield, was alive with activity as they marked 200 years since the beginning of the modern railway.
George Stephenson Day took place on Saturday 27 August – the anniversary of the first journey of Locomotion No. 1; the engine Stephenson built in 1825.
That short 26-mile journey from Shildon to Stockton changed the world, opening up travel, trade and opportunity in a way never seen before.
Over 800 visitors walked through the doors of Holy Trinity on the Saturday. Families, railway enthusiasts, local historians and locals came together to learn about George Stephenson, who is buried at Holy Trinity.
A costumed interpreter brought him to life, meeting visitors, posing for photographs and gave talks on “The Railway That Changed the World.”
Revd Jilly Hancock said “There was a wonderful atmosphere all day, full of curiosity, conversation and community spirit. Revd Malcolm Pyatt led a short service of reflection and thanks, and it was a day full of God’s blessing, as we celebrated both our heritage and the people who made it possible. Our hope is that through this project, Stephenson’s legacy and the light of God’s presence in this place, will continue to inspire future generations.”
The celebrations continued on Sunday, with a service of thanksgiving, giving glory to God for the vision, courage and creativity that shaped our modern world.
Among those who attended the service were the Duke of Devonshire, Sir Andrew Haines - Chief Executive of Network Rail, Pam Liversidge - President of the Institute of Mechanical Engineers, the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield, HM Lord-Lieutenant, High Sheriff Sir Richard FitzHerbert Bt and Mr Tom Ingle.
The service gave thanks not only for George Stephenson but also for the generations of railway workers, miners, engineers and families whose work has shaped Chesterfield’s story.
The weekend formed part of a wider heritage project, supported by a £240,600 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside contributions from East Midlands Railway, Cross Country Rail, the Raymond Ross Fund, Graysons Solicitors and Holy Trinity Church.
Over the next two years, the project will see Holy Trinity transformed into both a place of worship and a heritage destination, with new interpretation displays, school and community activities and a dedicated visitor space within the church.
As well as celebrating Stephenson’s life and achievements, the project will explore Chesterfield’s wider industrial story, the growth of the town in the Victorian era, the Clay Cross Company and the region’s mining history.
It will also mark 40 years since the Miners’ Strike, providing space to reflect on how industry has shaped our communities and our faith.
Holy Trinity has always been proud of its connection to George Stephenson, but this weekend was a reminder that his story is about more than engineering. It’s a story of vision, perseverance, and faith, qualities that still inspire us today.
Featured on the photograph (L-R): HM Lord lieutenant, Sir Andrew Haines, Pam Liversage, Duke of Devonshire, High Sherriff of Derbyshire and his police cadet, Revd Jilly Hancock, Revd Malcolm Pyatt, David Nightingale, Mayor of Liverpool, Mayor of Chesterfield
