Items filtered by date: August 2025
Derby Cathedral will host a public interfaith vigil for Ukraine on Sunday, 3rd April.
Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, and Quaker representatives are scheduled to speak at the vigil which starts at 3pm, and everyone in attendance will have the opportunity to light a candle, reflect in silence and sign the Book of Solidarity.
The vigil has been organised with the support of the Ukrainian Catholic Church and the Derby branch of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain,, and co-ordinated by Derby's Multi-Faith Centre.
Peter Robinson, the Dean of Derby said: "What people in Ukraine have experienced is beyond comprehension.
"This vigil is a way for people of all faiths and none to show their support for all those affected by this crisis. It is an opportunity for everyone to offer their prayers to God that all those affected should find comfort, that there will be an immediate end to bloodshed and a speedy and peaceful resolution.
"The fact that this demonstration of support is coming from different faith traditions is, I think, especially powerful and an opportunity for faiths to both pray and work together for the common good."
According to research carried out by the International Organisation for Migration between 9 and 16 March, the United Nations refugee agency estimates ten million people have now fled their homes in Ukraine because of the Russian invasion. As well as the 3.6 million who have left for neighbouring countries, another estimated 6.5 million people are thought to be displaced inside the war-torn country itself.
Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby Cathedral comments: "What people in Ukraine have experienced is beyond comprehension. This vigil is a way for people of all faiths and none to show their support for all those affected by this crisis. It is an opportunity for everyone to offer their prayers to God that all those affected should find comfort, that there will be an immediate end to bloodshed and a speedy and peaceful resolution. The fact that this demonstration of support is coming from different faith traditions is, I think, especially powerful and an opportunity for faiths to both pray and work together for the common good".
Around ten faiths will be represented at the vigil, a hugely significant moment for both cathedral and city.
Dr Vivekanand Sharma, Temple Priest at Hindu Temple Geeta Bhawan in Derby, said: “The suffering and pain of the Ukrainian people is felt by the Hindu Community and we sincerely pray that a lasting solution to the current crisis is found very soon and life returns to as normal as could be under the circumstances. On behalf of the Hindu Temple and Membership, we pray for peace and tolerance in Ukraine”.
Chief Imam, Mufti Hafiz Fazal Ahmed Qadri from Derby Jamia Mosque, said: "We believe there's power in prayer. We're not going to change the course of events, but we can certainly express our pain and our commiseration with the people of Ukraine.
"We stand united with all those affected by war and conflict in Ukraine, Kashmir, Afghanistan and many other places around the world."
Following recommendations in the From Lament to Action report, the House of Laity of General Synod is seeking nominations of UK Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage people for co-option to the House of Laity. There will be five members co-opted for the remainder of the quinquennium, and they will be a full member with speaking and voting rights. As co-opted members of General Synod they will also be ex-officio members of Diocesan and Deanery Synod and their PCC. Further information can be found in the document Co-option of UKME/GMH people.
Please do share this with anyone that may be interested in joining as co-opted members and meet the criteria:
- UKME/GMH people
- on the roll of a parish or on a cathedral community roll, or confirmed as worshipping in a diocesan mission initiative
- aged 18 or over
- an actual communicant (having taken Holy Communion on at least three occasions in the last 12 months)
They will need to complete the nomination form and submit a personal statement of up to 2 sides of A4, as well as a photograph. They will also need to consent to the Privacy Notice. Nominations must be returned to synod.cooption@churchofengland.org by midday on 25 April.
Please contact Sian Kellogg, Executive Officer (sian.kellogg@derby.anglican.org) for more information.
We have all been shocked and moved by the unfolding crisis in Ukraine and many people are looking for ways they can help.
You won't be surprised to hear that the vast majority of parishes in the Diocese of Derby have initiated some form of appeal to help the people of Ukraine who are suffering so much - the latest figures from the Disasters Emergency Committee estimate that around 2.5 million people have fled their homes to escape conflict in their homeland.
It is thought that more than 18 million people will be affected by the conflict.
We are receiving scores of questions about whether empty rooms in parsonages - and vacant parsonages - can be offered to house Ukrainian refugees.
The Church of England is expected to offer guidance on this issue at the end of this week.
Meanwhile, the C of E has produced a toolkit for churches responding to the crisis in Ukraine [PDF] and some advice on the Homes For Ukraine Scheme.
Further guidance can be found here.
Donations
Many agencies are now saying that transporting donations of goods to Ukraine and the neighbouring countries who are receiving refugees is not cost effective and impractical with many lorries now backed up at borders and unable to deliver.
So the main way to support is through donating money to charities already set up to co-ordinate funds where they are needed the most.
USPG and the Church of England Diocese in Europe have launched an emergency appeal to get aid to people in desperate need because of the invasion of Ukraine.
Funds raised by the appeal will support Christian charities and churches carrying out humanitarian work both in Ukraine and responding to the arrival of refugees in neighbouring countries.
To find out more and to donate to the UPSG and Church of England Diocese in Europe Emergency Appeal Fund click here.
The other recommended route is via The Disasters Emergency Committee. Your gift will help provide food, bedding and temporary accommodation for people who have fled the conflict in Ukraine.
Prayers
Churches across the diocese continue to hold prayer vigils which you can join.
The Church of England website also has a page of resources including prayers and readings chosen for prayer services for Ukraine.
The UK government has announced it is developing a new humanitarian sponsorship programme that will allow an unlimited number of Ukrainian families to come to the UK.
The Sanctuary Foundation is asking individuals, community groups, churches, schools and businesses to register their interest in becoming a sponsor when the scheme is developed.
Find out more about how you can get involved here.
Our Safeguarding strategy for 2022 - 2025 has been published. It sets out our aims as a team until 2025.
Please feel free to share it with your parish if you wish to do so.
It can be downloaded here [PDF].
The latest Safeguarding Newsletter has just been sent to all Parish Safeguarding Officers. If you do not receive a copy and would like to read more about the work happening in Safeguarding in the diocese and a little more about one of the safeguarding team you can download the newsletter here.
Safe Spaces is a free and independent support service for anyone who has experienced abuse in relation to the Church of England, the Church in Wales, or the Catholic Church of England and Wales. This could be abuse by someone who holds any role in the church or is linked to participating in a church-led activity or group.
If you have been affected, however long ago, Safe Spaces can provide you with support.
You do not have need to have told the police or the church authorities, and you do not have to still be involved with the church.
Your information will not be shared without your consent, unless you or someone else is in immediate danger.
Safe Spaces can provide a range of help, including advocating with authorities and other agencies, giving emotional support, providing information (including information on church and police procedures), understanding your needs and working together on individual support plans.
Tel: 0300 303 1056 (answerphone available outside of opening times)
Email: safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk
LiveChat - via the Safe Spaces website
The Church of England and the Diocese of Derby are supporting the National Day of Reflection on Wednesday, 23 March 2022, the second anniversary of the first UK lockdown, to commemorate the tragic loss of life and to stand together with everyone who’s grieving, whether as a result of Covid or other causes.
Organised by Marie Curie, the National Day of Reflection looks to reflect on our collective loss, support those who've been bereaved, and hope for a brighter future.
How can churches get involved?
- Include it in your notices and prayers on Sunday, 20 March 2022. Prayer and intercession resources are available that use the key words – reflect, support, hope.
- Share the Light at 8.00pm by lighting a candle in placing it in your window.
- Host or visit a Wall of Reflection
- Display your daffodil
- Put up posters in your community, raising awareness.
- Toll the church bell just after noon to mark the end of the minute’s silence.
- Email/print and send the prayer postcard to anyone and everyone to use at home on that day.
- Light a special candle in the church and say the prayer – record it on your phone or tablet and share the film on social media.
- Encourage people to phone or send a card to anyone who may feel bereaved.
- Involve the local school and encourage them to use the simple prayer at noon or to colour daffodil cards and deliver them to a local care home.
- Invite people to plant a seed, a bulb or bush as a sign of hope.
- Invite people to tie yellow ribbons to a prayer tree or railings as a sign of their prayer and support for all who are bereaved.
- Open your church for private prayer.
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, and the Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton, stand with the Archbishops of Canterbury and York in condemning the invasion of Ukraine and calling for prayers for all those affected.
In a joint statement, the archbishops said: "The horrific and unprovoked attack on Ukraine is an act of great evil.
“Placing our trust in Jesus Christ, the author of peace, we pray for an urgent ceasefire and a withdrawal of Russian forces.
"We call for a public decision to choose the way of peace and an international conference to secure long term agreements for stability and lasting peace.
“We invite Christians to make this Sunday a day for prayer for Ukraine, Russia and for peace.
“We also give our support to the call from Pope Francis for a global day of prayer and fasting for peace on Ash Wednesday, March 2.”
>> Download: A prayer for the crisis in Ukraine - from 24-7 Prayer [.zip folder]
For those of you who may have been considering fundraising or other personal support but are unsure how to direct this, one of several new humanitarian appeals is open at https://donate.redcross.org.uk/appeal/ukraine-crisis-appeal
In October last year, Jane Foster, Relationship Manager at The Children’s Society visited All Saints Church Wingerworth who have raised a spectacular £28,292.20 to support The Children’s Society’s work.
She gave them an update on how their hard work is making a difference.
Kay Duckett, a Reader at All Saints Wingerworth (pictured), distributed Children’s Society prayer cards and exhibited a brilliant display that highlighted the societies work.
Jane Foster, said: “Right now, thousands of young people find themselves trapped forced into crime and sexual abuse by criminal gangs.
"They’re living in fear of what comes next. They see no way out. But our project workers in the East Midlands are there to help.
“From motivational messages to hour-long calls, working with police and other agencies to ensure safeguarding and sharing of intelligence, they can be the positive influence that young people are missing.
"And with generous support, they can be on-hand for as long as it takes to help young people see that the future is theirs to own.”
Bishop Libby, who is Vice Chair of Trustees of The Children’s Society, commented: “This is amazing. The Children Society are brave, ambitious, trusted and supportive in their work with some of the most vulnerable young people in our communities.
"This is the work of the Kingdom – at the heart of which, Jesus tells us, are such children. On behalf of The Children’s Society, and the children we work with, I extend my sincerest thanks to those at All Saints Wingerworth: this example of generous Christian faith in action is transforming lives for good.”
