The Diocese of Derby has announced the launch of its new accessibility project, designed to improve access and inclusion for all churches.

 The project includes a range of downloadable icons, designed to easily identify church assessable features allowing people with disabilities to easily find a church that will suit their needs.

The project comes from two years of work by the Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG), who have researched the need and designed the icons with the help of a local design agency.

Churches are encouraged to download the icons relevant to their church and display them on their websites. All the icons and more information is available www.accessiblechurch.net.

Carl Veal, Chair of DIAG said “The accessibility symbols, two years in the making, represent a wonderful opportunity for the churches of the Diocese of Derby to be open and accessible to all and allow us all to worship Christ together as a cohesive community.  I look forward to this initiative from the Diocese leading the way for these icons to be rolled out nationally, to the whole of the Church of England later this year."

As the Diocesan lead on the project, Bishop Malcolm Macnaughton said  ‘ These symbols will help local churches be welcoming to disabled people,  by giving them accurate information about what we can offer in our churches. Disabled people bring new gifts to the table, and important perspective to our life as a community. We need one another – and this project will help change attitudes, improve access to our activities, and release agency, empowering disabled people to get involved and take a lead. We are one body in Christ – we need each other.’

As a result of this project, Helen James, Disability Project Manager for the Church of England stated that, from the summer, the symbols will be made available for all parishes throughout all dioceses to use and implement on their own pages.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.

To view photographs from the service please click here

Four people were ordained as Deacon in the Church of England on Sunday 29 June. Here are their testimonies.

Rebecca Landers

Hosted by Bishop Malcom Macnaughton, one of our wonderful young people Hadassah, and the Growing Younger Team (on one of the hottest days of the year so far!), over 100 youth and children’s leaders, parents, and clergy from across the Diocese of Derby gathered for our first annual Growing a Younger Church Conference.

Our Diocesan vision is ‘The kingdom of God; good news for all - transformed lives, growing church, and building community.’  This obviously includes children, young people, and families (CYPF) and one of our priorities as a Diocese is to grow a younger church.

On the day, we heard stories about ways that God is moving across our parishes, and shared practical solutions on how to join him in what he is doing, as well as taking time to acknowledge the challenges that come with all things CYPF and the hard work invested by all those involved.

Fuelled with tea, coffee, and pastries, attendees heard throughout the day from keynote speakers including Naomi Wadswoth from Open Doors Youth, Nicola Wigglesworth from The Child Behaviour Network and Andy Saunders from Lighthouse Ministries, as well as other wonderful speakers from across the diocese and beyond. It was fantastic to hear from such a diverse range of speakers and topics, and to see so many church communities from across the diocese represented.

The day was a real opportunity to connect and chat with others (some folk even picnicking outside in the beautiful grounds of St John’s Walton), and the chance to discover the part that we can all play in growing a younger church.

We hope that all our attendees left not only with some fabulous goody bags, but that each person left feeling connected, encouraged and equipped to nurture the faith of CYPF in their own contexts.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive from participants around the diocese. Comments included:

“It was a really good day – the best youth training I have attended!”

"I wanted to say how helpful the day was. It was great to meet other people and learn from their experience and ideas, and I thought the variety of speakers available was brilliant. I came away feeling energized and excited. Thank you for arranging the conference!"

“Really inspiring”

“Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

To close the day, Bishop Malcom shared this Diocesan Growing Younger Vision Prayer:

“Gracious God, in your mercy and for your glory, renew, reshape, and revive our children, young people, and families. Instil in them generous faith, courageous hope, and life-giving love, so that, as active young disciples, their transformed lives may inspire the faith of others, and together we may grow in greater love with you. Through their witness, may the good news of your kingdom be received by all. Amen.”

A huge thank you to all who came together to make the day a success and chose to spend a sunny Saturday in June committing to growing a younger church!

Please email growingyounger@derby.anglican.org if you would like any more information on the seminars, resources or talks from the day.

The Diocese of Derby Diocesan Synod met for the 146^th time on Saturday 14 June, at St Werburgh’s Church in Derby City. Synod  gathered for a day of worship, updates and bold conversation, covering everything from diocesan finances to disability access and the role of education in our schools.

Opening worship and vision

The morning session was chaired by Canon Julian Holywell, chair of the House of Clergy. The day began with prayer, scripture, and remembrance of the late Rev Prebendary John Baines, celebrated for his humour and ministry, and life of service, most recently at St George’s Church, New Mills.

Before business, Synod gathered for worship, led by Rev Dawn Knight, Area Dean for South East Derbyshire Deanery, which included a reading from Romans 3:21 to 31 – that all who believe are ‘…justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.’

Opening reflections, led by Rt Rev Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton (who was acting as president for the meeting while Bishop Libby is on sabbatical) focused on being ‘on the front foot’, embracing faith, mission, and creative possibility despite current pressures. +Malcolm referenced the joys and challenges of parish life, the upcoming ordinations of deacons and priests, and the national Thy Kingdom Come initiative, which recently marked its tenth year, pointed to signs of renewal and resilience.

Annual General Meeting and financial overview

The meeting moved seamlessly into the Annual General Meeting of the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF). Canon Mark Titterton was reappointed as Executive Chair of the and members approved the 2023 financial statements. Martyn Marples, Director of Finance, noted an overspend of £265,000 and investment gains of £1.3 million, lifting net assets to £110 million, though these have fallen back since by £2.6 million due to turmoil in the global financial markets. He also highlighted that free cash flow remains under pressure. He announced a shift to a total return investment strategy, allowing sustainable use of capital gains to support ministry, especially stipends, while preserving long-term asset value.

Will Hagger, Diocesan Secretary, reported on safeguarding improvements, streamlining governance, and development of a multi-million-pound bid to the national church’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board.

Martyn also shared that, following a thorough assessment by Bishop’s Council and other diocesan governance structures, the DBF is viable as a going concern. It was also recommended that BHP be reappointed as auditors.

The floor was opened for questions from Synod members, covering topics such as parish finance pressures (especially common fund expectations), sustainability of clergy numbers and lay ministry pathways, transparency about diocesan budgets and spending priorities, and call for creativity and urgency. Martyn reminded Synod of the need to make the most of the current window we have around finances, and that the decisions we take now will help offset making even harder decisions three to five years from now.

Derby’s response to so-called ‘Hereford Motion’

The second session was chaired by Rev Bryony Taylor, and included a debate brought to Diocesan Synod from Carsington Deanery.  At its meeting on 1 February, Carsington Deanery Synod passed a motion calling for a debate at Diocesan Synod on a proposal to call upon the Church Commissioners to redistribute over £2 billion back to Diocesan Stipends Funds. This motion was first passed by the Diocese of Hereford last year, and will be debated at General Synod in July.

Synod debated the motion, which was moved by Carsington Deanery representative Peter Kelsey:

“That this Synod:

(i) call upon the Church Commissioners and Archbishops Council to undertake everything necessary to effect a redistribution of financial resources directly to Diocesan Stipend Funds to reflect the value of contributions made by Diocesan Boards of Finance to the Church of England Funded Pension Scheme since it was established by the settlement of 1997 (£2.6 billion)

(ii)call upon Diocesan Boards of Finance to manage the funds redistributed as a result of the above to support parish ministry in the ways discerned locally to be most effective in enabling growth and sustaining the Church of England's commitment to be a Christian presence in every community.”

A debate followed that addressed the desire for funds to be released to fund clergy posts that could sustain or revitalise parishes that have been struggling. It was argued that after a long period of the Church Commissioner’s fund benefiting from legacy contributions made by the dioceses, now is the time for some of that money to be returned and put towards funding frontline mission and ministry. It was also noted by Synod delegates opposed to the motion that it did not solve the underlying issue that parishes face around their financial health, and that these funds would only delay the inevitable. It was argued that releasing more money into sustaining parishes without focusing on the core task of the church, to share the gospel and bring people into faith in Jesus Christ, would undermine the effectiveness of what the Church is called to do. It was also noted that any funds released, should the Hereford Motion be passed by General Synod, would be to fund stipendiary clergy only, and that parishes would not be able to be access these funds for spending on mission and ministry at their own discretion.

The motion was passed by approximately three quarters of synod in support, with the remaining voting against or abstaining.

Accessibility and disability inclusion in focus – the symbols project

A presentation from Carl Veal and Lynda Herbert on behalf the Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) highlighted the need for greater accessibility and inclusion in church life. They spoke movingly drawing on their own experiences of the barriers that can exclude people from full participation in worship and community.

They introduced the web-based self-assessment tool that DIAG have produced. Inspired by the accessibility legend used by places like National trust, and with sponsorship from the Archbishops’ Council, DIAG have commissioned a series of symbols that can be used on church literature and publicity to highlight the accessibility features of their buildings. These include symbols covering the presence of accessibility ramps and toilet facilities, hearing loops, and measures to recognise and serve neurodiverse people.

The full catalogue of symbols and how to use them can be found online at www.accessiblechurch.net

Diocesan Board of Education: Challenges and opportunities

The afternoon session was chaired by Peter Kelsey, this time in his capacity as Chair of the House of Laity. It included a presentation from Carolyn Shoyer, Diocesan Director of Education, around the work of the Diocesan Board of Education (DBE), sharing updates on school partnerships, collective worship, RE provision and spiritual development.

She talked about strengthening relationships between church schools and parishes, advocated for Christian distinctiveness in education, and navigating the landscape of national policy and inspection frameworks. Synod was invited to consider how churches can better support schools as places of hope, hospitality and leadership.

Final deliberations

Final pieces of business included receiving a written report on Safeguarding, notification of upcoming conversations around Living in Love and Faith in both the Houses of Clergy and Laity, and finally formal notice of amendments to Canon law by General Synod, relayed by Diocesan Registrar Ian Blaney.

The meeting closed by sharing ‘the grace’.

Diocesan Synod gathers again on Saturday 18 October at St John’s Walton, Chesterfield.

Statement from the Archbishop of York on the plane crash in Ahmedabad

It is terrifying, and heartbreaking, to hear the news of the plane crash in Ahmedabad. Carrying 242 people, including many UK nationals, the plane crashed into a residential area.

My prayers are with all the victims who were on the plane, those on the ground, and all those who are going through the unimaginable suffering of losing loved ones so unexpectedly.

I’m praying for everyone affected, and hoping beyond hope that more survivors will be found.

Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York.

In the Diocese of Derby our hearts go out to all those in the Gujarati community across the midlands who have lost members of their family in this terrible tragedy. We stand with you in sorrow,  and pray for you as all those affected seek to both to take in what has happened, and to begin the hard journey of grief. You are in our prayers.

Malcolm Macnaughton –Bishop of Repton

Utility Bill Increases

Several parishes have recently reported significant increases in their utility bills over the past year. One of the most common reasons for this is the expiration of a fixed-term energy contract, which often results in being moved to a more expensive “out-of-contract” rate. These contracts typically last between 1 to 3 years and can easily be overlooked.

Understanding Your Utility Charges

Utility bills generally consist of two main components:

1. Standing Charge – A daily fixed fee, regardless of usage.
2. Unit Rate – The cost per unit of energy used (usually measured in kWh).

If your monthly bills seem unusually high, it’s worth checking both your standing charge and unit rate. As a rule of thumb, if your standing charge exceeds 100p per day for either gas or electricity, it’s a good idea to contact your supplier. Ask for your contract’s end date and, if you’re out of contract or nearing the end, consider renegotiating your rates.

Tips for Renegotiating Your Contract

• Know Your Usage: Smaller parishes with lower energy consumption might benefit from a plan with a slightly higher unit rate but a lower standing charge.
• Compare Services: Some suppliers, like British Gas Lite, offer cheaper rates but only provide online support. If having access to phone support is important to you, factor that into your decision.
• Plan Ahead: Contact your supplier about two months before your contract ends. This gives you time to shop around and puts you in a stronger position to negotiate.

Success Story

One parish recently had separate suppliers for gas and electricity. The treasurer contacted the gas supplier two months before the contract ended and successfully negotiated a new rate of under 6p per unit for a 3-year term. His key advice: track your contract end dates and start negotiations early—suppliers are more flexible when they know you have time to explore other options.

The Bishop of Derby hosted the Department for Work and Pensions Minister, Baroness Sherlock OBE, to see projects and meet people involved with Derby Food4Thought Alliance and other anti-poverty work.

The visit was arranged to showcase the vital contribution of churches and other faith communities in Derby supporting children and families experiencing poverty, as part of stakeholder engagement the Government is undertaking ahead of the publication of its child poverty strategy.

The Minister visited the Osmaston/Allenton Family Hub, a partnership between Alvaston Churches Together and the Jubilee debt advice project.  She met with people who use the services, volunteers and staff to discuss the resources available, including debt and benefits signposting, food support, and activities for young children.

At the Padley YMCA Centre, the Minister heard from service users about services that have particularly helped them and their children through difficult times. This was followed by a policy-focused round table meeting with representatives from local churches, schools, the council, former service users who have become volunteers, and others involved in the Derby Poverty Commission, enabling a rich discussion of the different initiatives and joined up work taking place within Derby to tackle child poverty, and some of the barriers still faced in offering provision. 

Reflecting on the visit, the Bishop of Derby, Libby Lane, said: “It was good to give the Minister a flavour of the work taking place out of faith communities in Derby to support children and families. These examples of faith in action in Derby give hope that every child can know that they are loved and enjoy a happy, healthy start to life. I pray for an ambitious and effective child poverty strategy that draws on the skills and potential of our communities, not just to deal with the consequences of poverty but address the root causes.”

Baroness Sherlock said: "I am deeply moved by the dedication and impact of the faith communities in Derby, and I’m very grateful to Bishop Libby for her invitation to visit these projects.

“The projects I saw were inspiring, and demonstrate how essential partnerships between local organisations, churches, faith-based projects and government are in addressing the particular needs of the community.  

“As we continue to engage with stakeholders across the country, the insights gathered during my visit will help inform our upcoming child poverty strategy. We are determined that our strategy not only addresses the immediate needs of those affected by poverty but also tackles its root causes, breaking down barriers of opportunity and ensuring every child can thrive, as part of our Plan for Change." 

Paul Brookhouse, Senior Manager of Derby Food4Thought Alliance, said: “It was a pleasure to welcome Baroness Sherlock and some of her team to highlight the great partnership work we have here in Derby and the collective working to tackle the high rates of child poverty. I appreciate Bishop Libby organising this so that we could specifically highlight the faith led projects and their unique offer to the residents of Derby.”

After many years of faithful and fruitful ministry in our Diocese, the Venerable Karen Hamblin will retire as Archdeacon for East Derbyshire in September this year.

Karen grew up in London and Dorset, before studying for a degree at the University of Durham. She began her ministry in Derbyshire in 1983, serving as a lay leader and children’s and youth worker at St Alkmund’s Derby, alongside her career as a teacher.

She was ordained in 2007 after training at St John’s Nottingham. After her curacy at St John’s, Long Eaton, she has since served in ministry at Pilsley in the North Wingfield Team, Brampton St Mark’s in Chesterfield, and as Area Dean of North-East Derbyshire.

In 2022 she was appointed as Archdeacon for East Derbyshire, where she has encouraged and enabled churches in their missional response to the challenges and opportunities faced by post-industrial communities.
Reflecting on her ministry, Karen said:

“During the whole of my time in ordained ministry I have worked and served amongst the churches and communities of what is now the archdeaconry of East Derbyshire. It has been a privilege to do so. I have worked with some fabulous colleagues, lay and ordained, in Parishes, in the Parish Support Team and DBF and on the Senior Staff – thank you.

“The last few years have contained joy and challenge, hope and struggle for everyone but we trust in the immense faithfulness of God and continue to work and pray to see His Kingdom come in our lives, churches and communities across the Diocese.”

The Bishop of Derby, the Right Reverend Libby Lane added:

“Karen is a much loved and highly valued colleague. She has embodied in all the different ministries she has undertaken our diocesan values of generous faith, courageous hope and life-giving love. Her commitment to Christ and His church has inspired us.Her most recent ministry as Archdeacon of East Derbyshire, rooted in costly, prayerful accompaniment of people and places, has been transformational.

"I am grateful for all that Karen has offered. Please join me in praying for her and Andy over these coming months and as they prepare for retirement.”

The farewell services of celebration and thanksgiving will take place on Saturday, 13th September at 2.30 pm at St John Walton (S42 7LT) and on Sunday, 14th September, at Derby Cathedral at Evensong 5.15 pm.  All welcome. Refreshments will be provided after the services. 

Addendum

During the period of the vacancy following Karen’s retirement the Venerable Matthew Trick, Archdeacon for Derby City and South Derbyshire, will act as Archdeacon for East Derbyshire. Matthew will be supported by the Bishop of Repton, Rt Revd Malcolm McNaughton, the Venerable Nicky Fenton (Archdeacon for Derbyshire Peak and Dales) and the Area Deans.

The timetable and process for recruiting a new Archdeacon for East Derbyshire will include engagement with the archdeaconry on their hopes for the new archdeacon during May and June. The advertisement for initial expressions of interest will be released in July, ready for a discussion with Bishop Libby on her return from sabbatical in early August. Interviews are planned for September 2025 with the hope of appointing the successful candidate in December 2025.