Items filtered by date: August 2025
Faith leaders representing the majority of communities in Derby and Derbyshire gathered in Derby Cathedral on Sunday to pray together and show support for the people of Ukraine and Ukrainian communities everywhere.
The leaders included representatives of Christian, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, Jewish, and Quaker communities.
They also lit candles and signed a Book of Solidarity.
A group of musicians from the Ukrainian community led a performance of some traditional Ukrainian music.
Among the leaders was the Very Revd Father David Senyk, Parish Priest of Saint Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Derby, who spoke about the challenges faced by the Ukrainian community and the very real sense of fear and horror faced by all Ukrainians.
>> See photos from the Vigil for Ukraine at Derby Cathedral
He said: "Most of all I want to thank you for your love... for the love you have shown in many different ways.
"The response and support of the British public to the horrors of war going on in Ukraine has been nothing short of tremendous.
"As a Ukrainian community in Derby, we have been overwhelmed with people reaching out with words of comfort and offers of help in various forms."
The Very Revd Father David Senyk spoke of the effects the war in Ukraine has had on Ukrainians everywhere
And speaking after the hour-long vigil, the Very Reverend Doctor Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby, said: "It was a privilege for Derby Cathedral to host the event and to take part in something that we will remember for many years to come.
"Thank you to everyone who made a contribution to the readings, prayers, reflections and music which all wove together to make the vigil work so well.
"It was a very precious and humbling moment for so many faith representatives and members of all communities to gather before God to pray and show their support for everyone who is affected by this terrible crisis."
Sunday's vigil was 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.
Faith leaders and representatives at the vigil included:
Burhaan Ishmail Khandia, Muslim representative
Dr Hardial Singh Dhillon, the Guru Arjan Dev Gurdwara, Derby
Mr Shain Bali, Hindu Temple Geeta Bhawan, Derby
Eve Sacker, Interfaith Representative, Nottingham Liberal Synagogue
Iryna Dobrowolskyj, Chair of the Ukrainian Community Association, Derby Branch
Joe Kupranec and musicians
Melvin Harris and Alan Barker, Quaker Religious Society of Friends, Nottingham and Derbyshire
The Right Reverend Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby
The Right Reverend Patrick Joseph McKinney, Bishop of Nottingham
The Very Revd Father David Senyk, Parish Priest of Saint Michael the Archangel Ukrainian Catholic Church in Derby.
Also present were Colonel John S Wilson OBE DL, Vice Lord-Lieutenant for Derbyshire, and Councillor Alan Grimadell, Deputy Mayor of Derby.
>> See photos from the Vigil for Ukraine at Derby Cathedral
The Right Reverend Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, has announced the three archdeacons who will help oversee and shape ministry in the Diocese of Derby.
The Archdeacon of Derby City and South Derbyshire will be the Reverend Matthew Trick.
Matthew is currently the Vicar of Ringwood with Ellingham & Harbridge and St Leonards & St Ives and Assistant Area Dean of Christchurch Deanery in the Diocese of Winchester.
He will have responsibility for parishes in the City of Derby and South Derbyshire, from Quarndon and Breadsall in the north to Netherseal and Lullington in the south.
Matthew will champion mission and ministry in city and urban contexts throughout the diocese.
>> Meet Archdeacon-designate Matthew
The Archdeacon of East Derbyshire will be the Reverend Canon Karen Hamblin.
Karen is currently the Priest-in-Charge of Brampton St Mark, in Chesterfield, and Area Dean for North East Derbyshire.
She will have responsibility for parishes in the eastern region of the diocese, from Dronfield and Eckington in the north to Sawley and Long Eaton in the south, including Chesterfield.
Karen will champion mission and ministry in emerging and transitional communities across the whole diocese.
>> Meet Archdeacon-designate Karen
And the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales will be the Venerable Carol Coslett.
Carol has served as the Archdeacon of Chesterfield for the past four years.
She will have responsibility for the western region of the diocese, from Hadfield and Glossop in the north to Sudbury and Egginton in the south, and as champion for rural and market town mission and ministry in the diocese.
On making the appointments, Bishop Libby said: “I am very excited by the energy, experience, expertise and commitment the new archdeacons will bring to their roles.
“They are all passionate about ‘everyday faith’ and bring understanding of the complexities and opportunities of parish ministry, and of the opportunities and challenges in aspects of mission and ministry that are not parish specific.
“They also have the capacity to think and work on a wider canvas with flair and imagination and are committed to fostering a culture of diversity.
"I am looking forward to working with them as we commit ourselves to joining in with what God is doing in transforming lives through growing church and building community.
“Please keep Matthew, Karen and Carol in your prayers as they navigate their new roles and responsibilities.”
The new archdeacons are expected to formally take up their new roles in early June.
The appointments come as the diocese embarks on a process of transformation to shape structures, sustain resources and equip people for mission.
Part of this process is the move from two archdeaconries to three, which will legally come into effect on 6 June 2022.
New archdeaconry areas
The three new archdeaconry areas, which will legally come into being on 6 June 2022, have been shaped to reflect the significant missional contexts of our diocese, serving our rural, urban, and emerging post-industrial communities.
The shaping of the new archdeaconries better reflects the different demographic and cultural contexts of our diocese, but each is diverse and complex with a mixture of communities and experience.
The statutory responsibilities of the archdeacons will be delivered within their geographical boundaries, and, in addition, they will champion the demographic predominant in their respective archdeaconries across the whole diocese:
- The Archdeaconry of Derby City and South Derbyshire includes our largest urban context, and Archdeacon-designate Matthew Trick will champion mission and ministry in all urban contexts across the whole
- The Archdeaconry of East Derbyshire encompasses many emerging and changing post-industrial communities, and Archdeacon-designate Karen Hamblin will champion mission and ministry in such contexts across the whole diocese
- The Archdeaconry of Derbyshire Peak and Dales is largely rural with market town communities, and the Venerable Carol Coslett (currently Archdeacon of Chesterfield) will champion mission and ministry in such contexts across the diocese.
Meet Matthew Trick
The Reverend Matthew Trick:
Archdeacon-designate of Derby City and South Derbyshire
Currently Vicar of Ringwood with Ellingham & Harbridge and St Leonards & St Ives and Assistant Area Dean of Christchurch Deanery in the Diocese of Winchester.
I am excited to be joining the Diocese of Derby and working towards our shared vision: The Kingdom of God, Good News for All and serving the people of the diocese in faith, hope and love.
Being new to both the diocese and Derbyshire, I look forward to getting out and about early on, meeting ordained and lay colleagues and discovering the churches and communities of Derby City and South Derbyshire - so please get your invitations in!
I was born in South Wales and am a proud Welshman who for the last decade has lived and ministered in England.
I am married to Sarah, a chartered accountant, and have two young children: Izzy aged 6 and Henry aged 3.
I started attending St Illtyds Church, Llantwit Major, aged 16 and the warmth of welcome and community persuaded me to stay.
I came to personal faith in Jesus Christ on an Alpha Course at St Mikes Church, Aberystwyth, where I studied as an undergraduate.
Prior to ordination I worked for Lloyds TSB in their Business Banking division.
I trained for ordination at the then St Michael’s College, Llandaff, Cardiff and found it deeply enriching to train alongside baptist and methodist students. My ordained ministry has encompassed affluent market towns with connected suburban and rural communities, areas of significant deprivation and major new housing developments.
Ecumenism has shaped my ministry to date both informally through local Churches Together groups and formally as the Minister of a four-way LEP.
For the last couple of years, I have been an assistant area dean working with ordained and lay colleagues and diocesan senior staff to develop collegiately and mission across Christchurch Deanery.
I believe Jesus transforms individuals and communities through local churches, and my passion is releasing churches to be agents of the Kingdom of God, growing the common good in their communities.
Academically I am interested in Anglican Social Theology and Christian leadership and am currently undertaking a Masters in Theology & Ministry with Cranmer Hall, Durham.
I am a Novice of the Third Order of the Society of St Francis and the words of God to St Francis "Go and rebuild my church” have been a source of inspiration for my ministry.
Having always lived by the sea, our move to Derby will be only the second time we have been land-locked, but with so much to explore we are looking forward to getting out and walking in the diocese.
Sarah and I are foodies and look forward to sharing food and fellowship with ordained and lay colleagues.
Balancing the demands of ministry with family life is important to us, and as a family we are no strangers to soft play centres and other family attractions.
Meet Karen Hamblin
The Reverend Canon Karen Hamblin:
Archdeacon-designate of East Derbyshire
Currently Priest-in-charge of Brampton St Mark and Area Dean of Northeast Derbyshire in the Diocese of Derby.
I am excited about working with people, churches and communities across the new archdeaconry wherever they are: in workplaces, in schools, at home and in churches to see God’s Kingdom come more and more.
I relish the challenge and I know that God will highlight priorities and will go ahead of me as together we try to work more effectively, growing what we already have and developing new ways of being church to reach new, emerging and transitioning communities.
I was born in London and grew up with the Salvation Army as a backdrop to my life as both sets of grandparents were officers and we were involved as a family.
We moved to Dorset when I was 15, which is where I met my future husband, Andy (and also where I became an Anglican). Andy and I have three adult children and are blessed with a six-year-old granddaughter.
After going to the University of Durham, I moved to Derby in 1983 to start a career in teaching, but I also started working in local churches, including St Alkmund’s, where I became Children’s and Youth Worker and then a lay member of the leadership team.
It was there that I had my lightbulb moment as I believe I heard God ask me to be ordained.
It took a while to persuade me, but it was time to move.
So off I went to study at St John’s Nottingham; I was ordained in 2007 and served my curacy in Long Eaton.
And so began my priestly journey – both spiritually and also literally up the M1 as in 2011 I became Team Vicar of Pilsley in the North Wingfield team and, in 2016, Priest-in-charge at Brampton St Mark’s in Chesterfield and Area Dean of North East Derbyshire.
I had started at Junction 25 and ended up at Junction 29!
Maybe then there is a sense of fulfilment that I will now serve as Archdeacon of East Derbyshire, an area defined to an extent by the M1 corridor, with a rich mining and industrial heritage, but with areas of deprivation, emergence and transition alongside rural ones - a real mixture full of life, challenge and possibility.
For me, faith is about knowing that I am totally loved and accepted and that, despite all my imperfections, God chooses to set his hope in me as I serve and work with Him and for Him alongside others.
Our lives, our churches and communities need the hope that He alone can bring.
I am passionate about the environment, and I love growing vegetables.
I enjoy a good walk and live in one of the best counties for doing that (but I do love the coast as well, so sometimes walk there!) I love spending time with family, who live reasonably close, and any spare time gets used reading modern fiction, sewing, cooking, seeing friends or just chilled in front of the TV.
What lights me up more than anything else as a follower of Jesus, and as a leader, is prayerfully helping to connect things: people, places, situations, stories and then stepping back to see God's Spirit at work, bringing fresh life – new possibilities, new & renewed relationships growing and flourishing under His care and direction.
Let’s do that together and see God's Kingdom come more and more amongst us.
Meet Carol Coslett
The Venerable Carol Coslett:
Archdeacon-designate of Derbyshire Peak and Dales
Currently Archdeacon of Chesterfield in the Diocese of Derby.
I am hugely looking forward to deepening my relationship with the north-western area of the diocese as well as getting to know the south-western area better. And I am blessed to be working in some of the most beautiful areas of Derbyshire.
More than anything, I am privileged to be working with wonderful people and communities the length of the west side of the diocese (though I will miss the north-eastern deaneries that I have also been working in for the past four years).
But beautiful towns, pretty villages and wonderful people do not mean that the Derbyshire Peak and Dales doesn’t have its share of problems and challenges.
Rural communities, particularly farming communities, often suffer from the effects of isolation; they are more prone to the devasting effects of climate change and economic uncertainty.
I see myself being the eyes and ears of the bishop in the archdeaconry, its parishes and in rural communities throughout the diocese – helping to work out problems, supporting communities, assisting with strategies and looking after church buildings and legalities.
This archdeaconry welcomes most of the county's 45 million visitors a year. It is largely rural and home to the nation’s first National Park. County and borough councils are in Matlock and Buxton, and other market towns are significant in local life.
Whilst Inherited models of mission and ministry continue to be fruitful and greatly treasured, there is also appetite to discover new and complementary ways to grow church and build community for residents and visitors.
One of the priorities must be to work together to ensure the Church stays fit for the future and I hope to support the churches and one another in the community and build our Church for the next generation.
If we are to leave a wonderful legacy for those who come after us, we have to nurture the church family to meet the needs of people we are serving.
I joined the Diocese of Derby from the Diocese of Southwark, where I served as a parish priest and acting archdeacon.
And having been a teacher before my ordination in 2003, I also enjoy and intend to spend time in schools.
I am married to Martyn and we have two grown-up children.
Away from work, I enjoy swimming, baking and walking as well as amateur dramatics and singing.
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.
