Items filtered by date: April 2026
The Most Reverend Sarah Mullally will be installed as the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury at Canterbury Cathedral
The 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, will be installed at Canterbury Cathedral on 25 March 2026, the Feast of the Annunciation.
The live stream will start at 2.30 pm.
>> BBC website
>> Download the order of service [PDF]
The Most Revd Hosam Naoum, Anglican Archbishop in Jerusalem and Primate of the Episcopal Church in Jerusalem and the Middle East, has shared a pastoral letter following on from the news of the escalating conflict in the Middle East.
28 February 2026
Dear Beloved Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As you are all now painfully aware, in the early hours of this morning, February 28th, a coordinated and massive military assault was launched by the United States and Israel against numerous cities and installations within Iran. This operation, described by the leaders of the two nations as a ‘pre-emptive’ attack, has brought fire and destruction to the heart of Tehran, Isfahan, and beyond, striking at the very centers of governance and civilian life. Moreover, just prior to these events, Israel had also ‘pre-emptively’ attacked various targets in southern Lebanon, where the number of casualties has yet to be determined.
Tragically, the cycle of violence has expanded with terrifying speed. In the hours following, Iran launched a widespread reprisal, with missiles and drones targeting Israel and U.S. military assets across the Gulf—striking installations in Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kurdistan-Iraq, Jordan, and Qatar. Sirens also blared across the Holy Land, warning of incoming missiles from Iran. Suddenly, our people from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf find themselves once again huddled in shelters, fearing for their lives as the shadow of a total regional war looms over us.
These developments strike at the very soul of our Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East. Every single nation now engaged in this combat, and those bearing the brunt of the retaliatory strikes, resides within our ecclesiastical boundaries. Our brothers and sisters in the Diocese of Iran are currently enduring the terror of aerial bombardment; our members in the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf are witnessing the arrival of war at their doorsteps; and our faithful in the Diocese of Jerusalem—extending across Israel, Palestine, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria—face an unprecedented threat of military escalation.
In the face of such overwhelming force, we recall the words of our Lord Jesus Christ: ‘Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God’ (Matt 5:9). Today, that calling feels heavier than ever before. When the ‘spirit of fear’ threatens to consume our hearts, we must anchor ourselves in the ‘spirit of power, and of love, and of a sound mind’ (2 Tim 1:7).
First, I call upon the global Church to join us in urgent, unceasing prayer. We implore God to protect the innocent—the mothers, the children, and the elderly—who are caught in the crossfire of this ‘Operation Epic Fury’ and the subsequent ‘crushing responses.’ We pray specifically for a ‘sound mind’ for the leaders of the United States, Israel, and Iran, that they might recognize the futility of this bloodshed and turn back from the precipice of a global catastrophe.
Second, we must offer each other the sanctuary of Christian love. I therefore urge our clergy and laity to be beacons of comfort. In a time of ‘regime change’ rhetoric and military ultimatums, let our message be the unchanging promise of Christ’s peace: to build each other up (1 Cor 8:1), for our hope is not in the strength of armadas or missile shields, but in the Prince of Peace.
Finally, we must remain ‘Bridge Builders.’ Even as diplomatic windows seem to slam shut, the Church must keep the doors of reconciliation open. We refuse to see our neighbors as enemies, whether they be in Tehran, Tel Aviv, or the military bases of the Gulf. I extend an urgent invitation to the wider Anglican Communion and all people of goodwill: Intercede for us now. The hour is late, and the danger is great. We remain “battered and bruised, but not defeated.” May the peace of God, which passes all understanding, guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
In Christ,
The Most Reverend Dr Hosam E. Naoum
Primate and President Bishop
The Province of Jerusalem and the Middle East
Do you thrive on bringing clarity, structure, and confidence to complex projects?
Are you an experienced project manager who enjoys working with purpose driven organisations and senior stakeholders?
We are seeking a skilled Project Manager to lead and coordinate our preparation for an upcoming INEQE safeguarding audit. This is a key role, ensuring the organisation is fully audit ready, with high quality evidence, clear governance, and strong cross departmental engagement.
Working closely with the Head of Safeguarding and Senior Leadership Team, you will:
- Lead the end-to-end audit preparation project
- Create and manage clear plans, workstreams, risk logs, and readiness reporting
- Coordinate contributions across teams and hold actions to account
- Maintain a robust, GDPR compliant evidence repository
- Provide clear assurance and briefings to senior leaders
- Capture learning and support post audit improvement planning
This role would suit an experienced project manager who:
- Is highly organised, analytical, and detail focused
- Is confident working with senior leaders and governance bodies
- Can deliver structured outcomes within limited, parttime hours
- Brings experience from regulated, safeguarding, education, or compliance led environments
You don’t need to be a safeguarding expert already – but you do need strong project discipline, credibility, and a commitment to high standards.
This is a fixed term part time opportunity, working 14 hours a week until June 2027.
Working pattern: 14 Hours per week (ideally over 2 set days a week)
Salary: £47,500 full-time equivalent
Closing date: Wednesday 8 April
Interview date: Monday 20 April
>> Download the job description here (PDF)
>> Download our guide to working for the Derby Diocesan Board of Finance here (PDF)
>> Download an application form here (Word)
>> Download the recruitment monitoring form (to be returned with your application form) (Word)
Full time permanent stipendiary role
Buxton is a thriving market town in the beautiful landscape of the High Peak of Derbyshire known for its heritage as a spa town and internationally renowned Arts Festival. The two key elements of this role are holding delegated oversight for three village churches of Chelmorton, Earl Sterndale and Taddington and leading on work amongst children, young people and families across all the communities in the Team.
We are seeking an enthusiastic, pastoral hearted, missional priest to work collaboratively to:
- hold delegated oversight for Chelmorton, Earl Sterndale and Taddington, welcoming them into the Team
- deepen relationships with God, embracing the churches unique identities and distinctiveness while developing their worship and discipleship
- serve our local communities, forming and developing community partnerships
- make new disciples, forming new worshipping communities
- challenge rural isolation and injustice, building on ministry to the farming community.
- create an efficient and sustainable model of governance
- lead on income generation, generous stewardship and financial resilience
- work collaboratively with the Team Rector, staff and volunteers within the Team
- lead the Team in growing younger, developing work with children, young people, schools and households and offering Chaplaincy to the University of Derby Buxton Campus;
The Diocese of Derby is committed to safeguarding. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. For information on safeguarding and recruitment checks, visit https://bit.ly/DODSaferRecruitment.
Enquiries to: Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales nicky.fenton@derby.anglican.org
Further information and to apply please use the links below:
Letter from the Bishop of Derby
Closing date: Noon, Friday 17th April 2026
Interview Date: Tuesday 5th May 2026
On Saturday 7th March, 28 Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers) from across the diocese gathered at St Helen's Church, Darley Dale, for their annual Lent Quiet Day. Led by the Archdeacon of Peak and Dales, Nicky Fenton, they spent the day reflecting on the life and stories of Saint Brigid through the use of scripture, prayers, nature, poems, creative stations, silence and sharing.
Festival Evensong for the Third Sunday of Easter
The Bishop of Derby, together with The Dean of Derby invite you to a service of thanksgiving for the ministry of
Malcolm, Bishop of Repton.
Derby Cathedral
Sunday, 19 April 2026
17:15
Everyone is welcome to attend what will be a truly special service.
19 March 2026
The Revd Canon Patrick Coleman, Vicar of the benefice of Chesterfield St Mary and All Saints, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Assistant Curate (House for Duty) at Guildford Cathedral, Diocese of Guildford. Patrick’s last day in post will be Friday, 1 May 2026.
13 March 2026
The Revd Margaret Slyfield, Curate of Buxton and Burbage with King Sterndale (Derby) 2014-2019, Associate Priest of the same 2019-2024, Associate Priest in the parishes of Chelmorton, Earl Sterndale and Taddington, within the benefice of The White Peak Group, 2024-2026, died on 9 March 2026.
Her funeral will take place on Wednesday, 25 March 2026 at 10.30 am at St John the Baptist Tideswell.
12 March 2026
The Revd Joseph (Joe) Cooper will be instituted as Rector of the benefice of Hasland and Vicar of the benefice of Temple Normanton by the Bishop of Derby, with the inducted by the Archdeacon of East Derbyshire, and licensed by the Bishop as Priest-in-Charge of the parish of St Peter Calow, on Monday, 1 June 2026 at 7 pm at St Paul’s Hasland, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.
5 March 2026
The Bishop of Derby is delighted to announce that the Revd Lindsay Pearson, Priest-in-Charge of St Michael and All Angels Cottingley and Holy Trinity Bingley with St Wilfrid's Gilstead, Diocese of Leeds, has been appointed Canon for Worship and Music at Derby Cathedral, Diocese of Derby, subject to all legal and safeguarding requirements being fulfilled.
The Revd Sarah Watson will stand down as Area Dean of Derby City, Diocese of Derby, from Wednesday, 1 April 2026. She continues in post as Priest-in-Charge of the benefices of Allestree St Edmund & Darley Abbey, of Allestree St Nicholas, and of Quarndon.
The Revd Samantha (Sam) Dennis will be licensed as Assistant Curate (Associate Priest) of the benefice of Sawley, Diocese of Derby, on Tuesday, 14 April 2026 at 7 pm at All Saints Sawley by the Bishop of Repton.
The Revd Sandra Doore’s interim post as Vicar in the benefice of Buxton with Burbage and King Sterndale, Diocese of Derby, will finish on Wednesday, 1 April 2026, due to pastoral reorganisation.
Parish Support Team Chaplain
This is a voluntary position.
The Chaplain will lead and support the spiritual and religious life of the DBF, to oversee the opportunities for regular worship, prayer and special occasions, and to contribute to the emotional and spiritual wellbeing of all the DBF’s members, of all faiths and none. They will offer a confidential, pastoral, listening service with spiritual care.
Workplace: Church House, Derby
Hours: Approx 2 hours bi-weekly (flexible)
Accountable to: Director of People and Ministry Development
>> Parish Support Team Role Description [PDF]
>> Volunteer application form [Word]
This is a summary of the monthly Church Leaders' mailing which was sent on Thursday 5 February. The full version can be found here
Looking ahead
- Join the Bishop's lent reglections online, Mondays 8am and Tuesdays 8pm. Join the Monday mornng session on Microsoft Teams here. Join the Tuesday evening session on Microsoft Teams here.
- Sunday 8 March is International Women’s Day. In line with one of our priorities of growing more diverse, the Parish Support Team, including the Bishop’s Office and the Diocesan Board of Education have recognised International Women’s Day (IWD) this year. Read more here.
Mission and ministry
- If you are interested in learning more about working with children and young people please get in touch at growing.younger@derby.anglican.org or find our pages on the website here and definitely get onto the Growing Younger Mailing list here.
- 3rd Anglican Intercultural Mission Conference: The Primer, Saturday 21 March 2026, 9.30am to 4pm, St John's Church, Wolverhampton, book via Eventbrite.
- Are you looking for more efficient heating for your church building? Would you like to learn more about low carbon alternatives to oil or gas boilers? Come to our event Wednesday 22 April, Derby Urban Church (Osmaston Rd Baptist Church), Charnwood Street, Derby. Contact the Net Zero team here.
- The world of HR can be complex, and there are several changes coming into effect this year, particularly with the new Employment Rights Act which became law on the 18 December 2025. If you need any support with employment related matters, please don’t hesitate to contact the HR Department of the Parish Support Team.
- In January 2026, the Clergy Transition Service has relaunched its service.
- The newly released book The Starter’s Way edited by Ed Olsworth-Peters and Dwight Zscheile is for anyone in, or considering, a leadership capacity with New Worshipping Communities or Fresh Expressions of Church.
- Ministry Mondays - join via Zoom
- How to Use AI in Ministry led by James Lawrence from CPAS, Monday 20 April, 1pm to 2pm
- All things young people, Monday 18 May, 1pm to 2pm
- Following St Francis of Assisi: lessons for everyday ministry
- Upcoming events
- Women in Ministry Day, Wednesday 6 May, 10am to 3pm, St Alkmunds Church, Kedleston Road, Derby. Light refreshments will be available but do please remember to bring your own lunch. Book your place here.
- Working with Teams, led by Rev Nicky McGinty, Tuesday 19 May, 10am to 4pm,St Barnabas Centre, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, Chesterfield. Light refreshments will be available but do please remember to bring your own lunch. Book your place here.
- Trauma-informed Ministry: Moving forward in a changed world, led by Rev Tim Treanor, Tuesday 7 July, 10am to 3.30pm,St Barnabas Centre, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, Chesterfield. Light refreshments plus lunch will be available. There is space for 12 to 18 participants which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Book your place here.
- Preaching the Lectionary - Mark, led by Rev Amy Hole Monday 2 November, 7pm to 9pm (online via Zoom), Tuesday 3 November, 2.00pm - 4.30pm (in person St Johns Walton, Walton Back Lane, Chesterfield). Book the online session here or book the in person session here.
- How to Lead a Church where Discipleship Thrives, led by Matt Hogg CPAS, Tuesday 2 February, 10am to 4pm, St Barnabas Centre, Pilsley Road, Danesmoor, Chesterfield. Light refreshments will be available but do please remember to bring your own lunch. Book your place here.
Updated guidance
- Treasurers' newsletter - Springing Forward Together. Download it here.
External events
These events or services are not organised by the Diocese of Derby and are shared for information only.
-
Diocese of Manchester: Financial Planning for Retirement: During Your Ministry and Beyond - Wednesday 13 May 2026, 9.30am to 2.00pm, 155-163 The Rock, Bury, BL9 0ND, registration via Eventbrite here.
-
Church Action on Poverty: Rural poverty roundtable, Thursday 21 May 2026, 10.30am to 12 noon, Sign up via Eventbrite.
- Pilgrimage to Taizé for young adults: Saturday 1 to Sunday 9 August, For more information, contact Revd Dwayne Engh at vicar@ashbournechurch.org.uk - To book your space on the pilgrimage follow this link to the Diocese of Lincoln websit
Future dates for your diary
- Growing a Younger Church conference - Saturday 6 June, Location to be confirmed - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries!
- Lay Ministry conference - Saturday 12 September, Cliff College - Registration can be done here
- Annual Clergy conference - Monday 12 to Tuesday 13 October 2026, The Hayes Conference Centre - Details for how to book will follow in future mailings, but for now please save the date in your diaries!
