Items filtered by date: April 2026

Let’s not be April fools.

At school I was taught that the French say ‘Cocorico’ instead of ‘April Fool’. I have believed this for years - but it turns out to be fake. I may be the last credulous victim of a long running prank. The French equivalent of ‘April Fool’ is not ‘Cocorico’ but Poisson d’Avril!’ or ‘April Fish’. All a bit fishy, anyway.

Nonetheless, ‘cocorico’, or ‘cockadoodledoo’ can be a bit of a tease too. There’s history here. In Edmond Rostand’s 1910 play Le Chantecler the rooster’s self-important delusion is that it is his duty to announce the day – that if he fails to do his duty the sun cannot rise and day will not begin.

And in the gospels, Jesus tells Peter that by the time the cockerel crows he will deny knowing Jesus three times. When this happens, Peter weeps bitterly. The truth about ourselves is sometimes hard to swallow.

Cockadoodledoo is a mocking signal of untruths told and loyalties lost. Of moments missed, and opportunities wasted. Wake up! Wake up! Wake up to what is going on around you! Don’t sleepwalk into disaster. The events of the first Easter, and the events that lead up to it, are remote from our 21st century world, but they are real. And they are relevant as ever.

They are real because of the places they happened, still there today. A so called ‘Holy Land’ brutalised by violence, hatred, and division. Jerusalem, towards which Jesus set his face, to the city and the confrontation that would inevitably happen there. To the upper room, where he would break bread and share wine with them. Where their weary, dusty feet were washed by the one who would next day give his life for the world. To the place also where Jesus, three days later, would suddenly appear, behind locked doors, and startle them all with his greeting, ‘Peace!’

Not dead at all, but alive, with them: a new beginning, and a whole new world.

This is the city where Jesus gave himself in love. ‘Father, forgive them, they don’t know what they are doing.’ Whilst they could be a comment on current events, these words were Jesus’ prayer for his torturers and executioners, and for all who colluded with the scandal of an innocent man condemned to die. God is with us the suffering and death of Jesus. God is with us in the joy of resurrection, and in the new creation that springs from the love of God in Jesus.

How we long for Easter peace this year! How we pray for the peoples of the Holy Land, and for real, just, and lasting peace! We think especially of the people of the Anglican churches across the Middle East at this time. We don’t know how or when this prayer will be answered. Though, as the writer to the Hebrews says, ‘but we do see Jesus, who for a little while was made lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because of the suffering of death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.’ Hebrews 2.9

The Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton
Bishop of Repton

If in addition to praying for peace in the middle east you would like to give, please join Bishop Libby and me in contributing to the Good Friday appeal for the work of the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza, serving the sick and injured of that community at this time? Donations can be sent directly via this link: https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/24585

These vibrant and welcoming rural parishes offer exciting missional opportunities to engage with local residents and huge numbers of visitors and tourists. Offering strong support from the PCCs, congregations and retired clergy, the church members are looking for an enthusiastic, pastorally hearted, missional priest to work with them to:

We are an established vibrant, welcoming, rural benefice of three churches in the beautiful Peak District. Bound together by a shared vision to grow disciples, grow congregations and grow leaders, we are committed to outreach and growing younger. We offer committed leadership teams in each parish, strong financial reserves and a variety of existing missional opportunities to build upon.

Raising funds either loaclly or from external sources (charitable trusts, government funding streams, the National Lottery etc) can be daunting.

If you have a project brief or specification worked up, and are now ready to look in to what funds maybe available, contact Gareth Greenwood, the Church Buildings Support Officer.

From time to time specific trusts or funding streams are drawn to our attention and we will list key ones here.  Please do keep in touch with us, we may be able to offer support and help and we would love to hear how you get on, successful or otherwise, so that others can learn from your experience.

This page focuses on funding - if you are looking for wider buildings support information the following links will take you to it:

All things permissions and Diocesan Advisory Committee

Broader advice helpo and signposting regarding managing, maintaining or developing your buildings

1 April 2026

The Revd Benedict (Mark) Crowther-Alwyn, Curate of Fenny Stratford and Water Eaton (Oxford) 1977-1980, Curate of Moulsecoomb St Andrew (Chichester) 1980-1981, Team Vicar of the same benefice 1981-1983, Rector of Glasgow St Serf (Glasgow and Galloway) 1983-1987, Rector of Baillieston St John 1983-1987, Rector of Bassingham St Michael and All Angels (Lincoln) 1987-1990, Vicar of Aubourn St Peter with Haddington 1987-1990, Vicar of Carlton-le-Moorland St Mary with Stapleford 1987-1990, Rector of Thurlby St Germain with Norton Disney 1987-1990, Vicar of Elmton (Derby) 1990-2003, Priest-in-Charge of Matlock St Giles 2003-2005, Rector of the same benefice 2005-2014, Rector of Matlock St Giles, Dethick, Lea And Holloway 2014-2023, who retired in 2023 and held the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate 2023-2026, died on 25 March 2026.
Mark will be brought into St Mary and All Saints Chesterfield at 4.30 pm on Friday, 10 April, followed by a service of Evening Prayer.
The Funeral (Requiem) Mass will be held at 10 am on Saturday, 11 April, followed by burial at Barlow churchyard.

The Revd Malcolm Pyatt, Assistant Curate (Associate Priest) of the benefice of St John Newbold with Dunston, Diocese of Derby, has announced his retirement. Malcolm’s last day in post will be Friday, 3 April 2026, with his retirement taking effect from Saturday, 4 April 2026.

The Revd Prebendary Romita Shrisunder will be collated as Canon for Community Outreach and Social Justice at Derby Cathedral, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday, 26 April 2026 at 5.15 pm at Derby Cathedral by the Bishop of Derby and installed by the Dean of Derby.

The Revd Lindsay Pearson will be collated as Canon for Worship and Music at Derby Cathedral, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday, 21 June 2026 at 5.15 pm at Derby Cathedral by the Bishop of Derby and installed by the Dean of Derby, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.

Licenced clergy can apply for study leave to support any academic study they are undertaking or similar such as writing a book. 

>> Study leave grant application form

>> Additional academic grant application form

>> Download the information onthis page as a Word document

We are pleased to encourage licensed clergy who are enrolled on a substantial course of study, writing up a thesis or dissertation, completing a book, to request a study leave to complete the work. Please note it is recommended that study leaves are planned at least 18 months to two years in advance.  

• The Diocese of Derby funds up to two (2) study leaves in each calendar year.
• If the funds are not used, they are made available for additional sabbaticals.
• Because clergy require the bishop’s permission to be absent from their post, the process set out below must be followed regardless of whether funding is applied for or not.

The purpose of Study Leave

Study Leave is for use when a prolonged period of study is needed for a further degree or for a writing project/ book/publication or for a research project.

It is not the same as the time dedicated to personal or formal study that is part of the ongoing formation of all clergy and especially those who are studying for further degrees with the approval of the Ordained Ministries Development Officer.  In these cases, it will be expected that in order to complete the degree for which the diocese is expending funds, the priest concerned will take appropriate time to study routinely (e.g., a half day or a day a week and a few days together each year).

Study Leave remains a time apart from the rigours and demands of daily working life, and proper assurance will be sought, as with Sabbaticals, that adequate cover would be arranged before grants could be disbursed.

Eligibility 

Clergy of incumbent status are eligible to apply if:

• They have been in orders for at least 10 years
• It is at least 10 years since any previous Sabbatical or period of Study Leave
• They have been in their current post for at least 3 years
• They are at least 3 years from retirement

How long can it last?

The normal period for a study leave is three months (with a minimum of six weeks and a of maximum 12 weeks). These periods should be seen as over and above annual holiday.

Study Leave is more flexible than a sabbatical in length and structuring of time. It is available in two-week blocks from a minimum of two weeks up to a maximum of twelve weeks and over as many as three years.

Process

It is recommended that study leave is planned in advance.  This is to secure an allocation in the budget and to enable sufficient time for planning, preparation, and additional fundraising (if required). Applications for study leave are usually dealt with at the first meeting of the Bishop’s Leadership Staff Team after 30^th April in the preceding year of the proposed study leave. Proper planning before submission is key.

1. Arrange a meeting with the Ordained Ministries Development Officer by emailing or ringing Marietta Forman at either forman@derby.anglican.org or 01332 388673 to discuss ideas and possibilities. You might also consider talking through ideas about the study leave with your tutor/editor.

2. Complete in draft an Application Form for Study Leave

3. Bring a draft application form to that meeting

 A final version will eventually be submitted to the bishop for authorisation.

Your draft should:

• Set out a directed level of study with clearly defined outcomes
• Indicate a timetable
• Confirm support of your Area Dean
• Confirm support from the Churchwarden(s) or any appropriate other(s)
• Include what the arrangements for cover will be in your absence
  • This will involve consultation with the Area Dean and work colleagues. It is very important that throughout the period of the study leave you have no significant contact with your church and to arrange for all work-related phone calls to be redirected elsewhere. It is not appropriate to expect other family members living in the vicarage to deal with all enquiries during your absence.

Where funding is applied for, a budget indicating the costs of its various elements, including whether you will need to look to other sources of funding.  Please use the Grant Application for Study Leave Form. 

Funding

• A study leave grant of up to £900 is available, which can be divided over two or three years.
• In addition, any unused CMD allocation for the year in which you are taking the study leave can be used for specific retreats or courses (but not for travel expenses).
• Please use the Grant Application for Study Leave Form to apply for your study leave grant. Please support your application with receipts and invoices. We are only able to reimburse your expenses and do not pay third parties directly.
• These funds can be applied for before or after your study leave, but they must be claimed no later than 30^th November of the year in which you take your study leave.
• Stipendiary clergy continue to receive their stipend during the time of the study leave.

Please note you must keep the Ordained Ministries Development Officer informed should there be any change in your circumstances that would impact on your proposed period/s of study leave so that where appropriate adjustments can be made.

Post Study Leave

At the conclusion of your period of study leave, please plan to meet with the Ordained Ministries Development Officer to give a quick update on progress made.

Personal Details and GDPR? 

You can find details as to how we use and retain your details on our Diocesan Website. 

Questions? 

Please feel free to contact Marietta Forman or the Rev’d Susie Curtis.  They will attempt to answer any questions you may have. 

Complaints? 

If there is a complaint about how the grants were approved and/or distributed, please contact Claire Lees, Director of People & Ministry Development for the Diocese of Derby. 

Licenced clergy are encouraged to take the gift of a Sabbatical during their ministry.

The Diocese of Derby encourage all licensed clergy to take a three-month sabbatical every 10 years in ministry. This sustained period away from normal duties promotes professional development and personal enrichment.  It is recommended that sabbaticals are planned at least 18 months to two years in advance. 

• The Diocese of Derby funds up to six sabbaticals in each calendar year
• Episcopal permission is needed to be absent from a post, and therefore the process set out below must be followed regardless of whether funding is applied for or not

>> Application for for a Sabbatical

>> Grant application for a Sabbatical

>> Download the guidance on this page as a Word document

The purpose of a sabbatical

 A sabbatical is an expression of Sabbath. It is an extended period which is neither work nor holiday but an opportunity to live life differently; to study or explore; to look again at ministry, work and lifestyle; to let God speak to you afresh.

The shape of a sabbatical

A sabbatical plan should include significant elements of three transforming aspects:

Retreat – The space to reconnect deeply with God, to refresh spiritual roots, to renew your calling in ministry, and to consider markers for the future.  For some, this may take the form of a retreat or a pilgrimage or living in a community. A retreat at the beginning is a good way to mark the transition into a Sabbatical, as well as the transition back into full-time ministry at the end.

Renewal – This is the element of personal and/or professional development, which will normally take the greatest part of your three months. This is the time and space to equip you further in ministry, making the most of opportunities that you may not find in ordinary work time. It could relate to your present role, to a parallel interest, or something you’d like to explore with future ministry in mind. It will involve some element of learning, probably through study and theological reflection. For example: a self-determined research project, a short study course, or a ministry placement in an unfamiliar environment. Whatever is chosen, it should be designed to widen horizons or deepen thinking rather than simply revisiting familiar territory.

Rest and Recreation – A sabbatical is not intended as a holiday, but the biblical pattern of Sabbath includes rest as a vital part of life.  Take time and space simply to do what brings you well-being, joy, fulfilment, with no immediate link or outcome in your ministry; especially perhaps something you wouldn’t be able to consider in the normal pattern of work and life. For example: taking up painting, gardening, cookery, sailing, playing a musical instrument or even a challenge such as cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats.

How long can it last?

 The normal period for a sabbatical is three months (with a minimum of six weeks and a of maximum 12 weeks). These periods should be seen as over and above annual holiday.

Eligibility

Clergy of incumbent status are eligible to apply if:

• They have been in orders for at least 10 years
• It is at least 10 years since any previous Sabbatical or period of Study Leave
• They have been in their current post for at least 3 years
• They are at least 3 years from retirement

 Please note:

• A sabbatical is of greatest benefit to those in active and healthy ministry; it is not the right course for those who are recuperating or recovering from any kind of crisis.
• It would also be inadvisable for a minister to plan a sabbatical during a time of parish upheaval or when an important decision is being made or major project being undertaken. In such circumstances, the Diocese will offer alternative support and provision.
• If you are supervising a curate in training, the proposed period of the sabbatical should not fall within the first 2 years of the supervision of the curacy.

Process 

It is recommended that sabbaticals are planned at least 18 months to two years in advance.  This is to secure an allocation in the budget and to enable sufficient time for planning, preparation, and additional fundraising (if required). Proper planning before submission is key.

1. Arrange a meeting with the Ordained Ministries Development Officer by emailing or ringing Marietta Forman at either forman@derby.anglican.org or 01332 388673 to discuss ideas and possibilities. You might also consider talking through ideas about the sabbatical with your Spiritual Director.
2. Bring a draft of the Application for a Sabbatical Form to that meeting. A final version will eventually be submitted to the bishop for authorisation.

Your draft should:

• Include Retreat, Renewal, Rest and Recreation
• Include a plan of the proposed sabbatical with a rough schedule and itinerary
• Confirm support of your Area Dean
• Confirm support from the Churchwarden(s) or any appropriate other(s)
• Show what the arrangements for cover will be in your absence
  • This will involve consultation with the Area Dean and work colleagues. It is very important that throughout the period of the sabbatical you have no significant contact with your church, so we would encourage you to spend a significant amount of the sabbatical period away from the vicarage (particularly in the early part of the time) and to arrange for all work-related phone calls to be redirected elsewhere. It is not appropriate to expect other family members living in the vicarage to deal with all enquiries during your absence.
• Where funding is applied for, a budget indicating the costs of its various elements, including whether you will need to look to other sources of funding (Please use the Grant Application Form for a Sabbatical to apply for a sabbatical grant).

3. When your revised final application is completed and cover is sorted for the time you are hoping to be on sabbatical, the Ordained Ministries Development Officer presents the proposal along with their support to the Bishop and the Bishop’s Leadership Staff Team for approval.

4. You will be notified by the Ordained Ministries Development Officer whether your application has been successful.

Funding 

• A sabbatical grant of up to £900 is available.
• In addition, any unused CMD allocation for the year in which you are taking the sabbatical can be used for specific retreats or courses (but not for travel expenses).
• Please use the Grant Application Form for a Sabbatical to apply for your sabbatical grant. Please support your application with receipts and invoices. We are only able to reimburse your expenses and do not pay third parties directly.
• These funds can be applied for before or after your sabbatical, but they must be claimed no later than 30^th November of the year in which you take your sabbatical.
• Stipendiary clergy continue to receive their stipend during the sabbatical period.

Supervision

The Ordained Ministries Development Officer is available for consultation or advice at any time.  Together with the Ordained Ministries Development Officer you may, should you wish to, appoint or designate a supervisor to help you plan and resource your proposed sabbatical.  Please note that any charges a designated supervisor may make will need to be budgeted for within your application and will need to be supported by invoice.  Your CMD allowance cannot be used for this purpose.

Please note you must keep the Ordained Ministries Development Officer informed should there be any change in your circumstances that would impact on your proposed sabbatical.

Post Sabbatical

After the sabbatical, you will meet again with the Ordained Ministries Development Officer to debrief and evaluate the sabbatical.   Within a month of returning to normal duties you will also be expected to submit a short report, no more than a side of A4 so that we might share your experiences more widely within the Diocese, for encouragement and learning.

Personal Details and GDPR? 

You can find details as to how we use and retain your details on our Diocesan Website. 

Questions? 

Please feel free to contact Marietta Forman or the Rev’d Susie Curtis.  They will attempt to answer any questions you may have. 

Complaints? 

If there is a complaint about how the grants were approved and/or distributed, please contact Claire Lees, Director of People and Ministry Development for the Diocese of Derby. 

An annual retreat grant is available to all licenced clergy to support the cost of a retreat or spiritual direction. The retreat grant is offer to all clergy by the Diocese of Derby to support their wellbeing and spiritual renewal by financially supporting an annual retreat. 

>> CMD grant application form

>> Download the information on this page as a word document

Who can apply for the Retreat Grant?

The Diocesan Retreat Grant is intended to support all ordained clergy currently active in any form of post, whether Self Supporting or Stipendiary.

How much can I claim?

Up to £250 is being offered per person on an annual basis.  All grants are discretionary, but please do apply and we will always seek to support you in any way we can.

What is not covered?

• Books are not funded by the Retreat allowance
• Travel expenses are not covered by the Retreat budget and should be claimed with normal parish expenses
• CMD Training is funded separately. There is a separate CMD Grant Form you can apply for in addition to the Retreat Grant that is being offered.
• Sabbaticals and Study Leaves are funded separately.

How do I claim?

Please complete the application form available from Marietta Forman or the diocesan website and send it to marietta.forman@derby.anglican.org.

Invoices and/or receipts must be included before funds will be transferred.

Can my application be retrospective?

Yes, but please note that the CMD Grant Budget is a limited pot, and these grants are subject to funds being available. 

Is there a deadline?

Applications should be placed with the Ordained Ministries Development Officer by 30^th November for that calendar year, assuming there may still be funds to disburse, to allow the budget to be properly managed as year-end approaches. (The Diocesan Board of Finance works to a calendar year).

It is not possible to carry money over from year to year.

Timeline once you apply

• We look at the forms and authorise shortly after you apply.
• We then apply to Finance for payment. This usually takes around 3 weeks to process.
• If for any reason your claim isn’t successful, we will be in touch straight away.

Personal Details & GDPR?

You can find details as to how we use and retain your details on our Diocesan Website.

Questions?

Please feel free to contact the Rev’d Susie Curtis with any questions.

Complaints?

If there is a complaint about how the grants were approved and/or distributed, please contact Claire Lees Director of People and Ministry Development.  claire.lees@derby.anglican.org

An annual CMD grant is available to all licenced clergy to support their ongoing ministerial development.

>> Discretionary grant application form

>> Download the information on this page as a Word document

From the ordinal

“Will you be diligent in prayer, in reading Holy Scripture, and in all studies that will deepen your faith and fit you to uphold the truth of the Gospel against error?”

Introduction

The Diocese of Derby encourages all its licensed clergy to continue learning throughout their ministry and this grant is available to help you do just that. It is our hope that, as ministers grow and develop in their ministry and discipleship, they will identify the training and development opportunities they need.  All grants are discretionary, but please do apply and we will always seek to support you in this way if we can.

Who can apply for a CMD Grant?

The Diocesan CMD Grant is intended to support those who are currently in post in a parish/chaplaincy/pioneer context/cathedral, whether Self Supporting or Stipendiary Clergy.

How much can I claim?

The maximum amount is £300 per year. The year runs from January-December. Please apply before the end of November so that the Finance Department has time for end of year preparation.  There is no roll-over – so if you don’t use all/any of your grant in any one year you can’t add this to the following year.

What sort of things are covered?

The CMD Grant will only be considered for training purposes.  That said, almost everything! From day courses, to training conferences, to further theological study. As you know, there are many other opportunities available through universities, colleges, church, and secular organisations. These are all covered.  

Can I still apply for an additional £250 if I’m doing academic study?

Yes, please do apply for the additional £250 if you are doing academic study such as a Master’s, a Professional Doctorate or a PhD.  Please fill out the separate Academic Study Form to apply for that.

What is not covered?

• Annual Events like New Wine or Greenbelt
• Books are not funded by the CMD allowance
• Travel expenses are not covered by the CMD budget and should be claimed with normal parish expenses
• Retreats. These are funded separately. There is a separate Retreat Grant Form you can apply for in addition to the CMD Grant that is being offered.
• Sabbaticals and Study Leaves are funded separately. (Please see guidelines and application forms available from Marietta Forman or on the diocesan website).

How do I claim?

Please complete the application form available from Marietta Forman or the diocesan website and send it to marietta.forman@derby.anglican.org. Invoices and/or receipts must be included before funds will be transferred.

Can my application be retrospective?

Yes, but please note that the CMD Grant Budget is a limited pot, and these grants are subject to funds being available.  Receipts or invoice are needed for the Finance Department to reimburse you your money

When do I apply?

Please apply within the calendar year in which the training event takes place.  It is not possible to carry money over from year to year.  Unfortunately, we cannot reimburse expenses from the previous year, nor can we process requests for the following calendar year. Therefore, please hold onto your application until January of the subsequent year.

Is there a deadline?

Applications should be placed with the Ordained Ministries Development Officer by 30^th November for that calendar year, assuming there may still be funds to disburse, to allow the budget to be properly managed as year-end approaches (The Diocesan Board of Finance works to a calendar year).

It is not possible to carry money over from year to year.

Timeline once you apply

• We look at the forms and authorise shortly after you apply
• We then apply to Finance for payment, this usually takes around 3 weeks to process
• If for any reason your claim isn’t successful, we will be in touch straight away

Rationale

The Church of England recognises the centrality of lifelong learning, support and development in the lives and ministry of its clergy. In The Diocese of Derby, we are clear that clergy should feel both affirmed in their ministry and accountable to their Bishop and colleagues for their development.

Under the Ecclesiastical Offices (Terms of Service) Regulations, all those holding office under Common Tenure are under a duty to participate in Continuing Ministerial Development and Ministerial Development Review.

Additionally, all Stipendiary Clergy (and Self-Supporting Clergy, where possible) are expected to attend designated Bishop’s Study Days and Diocesan Conferences. Such conferences and study days are designed to offer opportunities to address issues of topical importance in clergy ministry.

Individual Lifelong Learning & Professional Development

It is our hope that, as ministers grow and develop in their ministry and discipleship, they will identify the training and development opportunities they need. All clergy are actively encouraged to undertake an annual programme to update their theological and associated studies as well as practical skills.  The grants we offer are intended to enable clergy to make the most of these opportunities.

Personal Details and GDPR?

You can find details as to how we use and retain your details on our Diocesan Website.

Questions?

Please feel free to contact Marietta Forman or the Rev’d Susie Curtis.  They will attempt to answer any questions you may have.

Complaints?

If there is a complaint about how the grants were approved and/or distributed, please contact Claire Lees, Director of People & Ministry Development for the Diocese of Derby.