Items filtered by date: May 2025
27 June
The Revd Melanie (Mel) Hartley, Assistant Curate (SSM) of Baslow and Eyam, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Chapel-en-le-Firth and of Chinley with Buxworth and Hayfield, in the same diocese.
21 June
The Revd Karen Bradley, Vicar of East Scarsdale (Team Ministry), Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Team Rector in the same benefice.
The Revd Eleanor (Ellie) Launders-Brown, Assistant Curate in the East Scarsdale Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Succentor of York Minster, Diocese of York. Ellie will be licensed to her new role on Monday, 5 August 2024.
6 June
The Revd James Lee, Assistant Curate of Stanton-by-Dale with Dale Abbey and Risley, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Team Vicar in North Wingfield, Clay Cross and Pilsley Team Ministry, in the same diocese.
Resourcing and empowering churches to engage with a General Election period
The General Election has been announced for 4 July, so now is the time for churches and individuals to take action.
The church has long been involved in politics in various ways, and we continue to be called to ‘seek the welfare of the city’ (Jeremiah 29:7), including on environmental issues and addressing poverty and inequality in our communities.
Political parties' manifestos have been written, so we have an opportunity to ensure our local candidates are committed to focusing on the important issues and holding those elected accountable to deliver on their promises.
There are a number of ways you can engage locally with the election period, with parishes uniquely placed to advocate on behalf of the issues and needs of our communities.
Pray Your Part
First, dont forget that Pray Your Part is an invitation from the bishops of the Church of England to encourage prayer and participation in the life of our nation and communities, both as voters and as citizens.
This 21-day journey of prayer and reflection is designed for use in the run-up to the UK General Election. Each day explores a different theme, with a short Bible reading, reflection and prayer for a different aspect of our common life.
Want to get involved?
-
Why should I get involved?
As churches we care about what goes on in our villages, towns, and cities, and how governance affects the people in our parishes. We are privileged to live in a country with a democratic system of governance. In order for democracy to function well, it requires citizens to exercise their power and voice, rather than assuming those in elected positions (our MPs) will manage everything. Whilst important, there's more to democratic engagement than just voting.
As Christians we have a unique view of the world, and believe in a God who longs for humanity to flourish. Consider the Lord's Prayer: how do we usher in ‘God’s kingdom’ on ‘earth as in heaven’? One way is by seeking to engage with the political system, asking for decisions and laws to reflect heavenly aspirations on issues of poverty and inequality. When Christians engage with democratic systems and politics, they're part of conversations and decision-making which help mould the direction of our country’s politics.
-
Is church political
Some people believe that the very presence of the church is political - by living for God and meeting together, we are making a statement about what we value and how we want society to look. This is why in some countries across the world, where politicial leaders see the church as a threat to their power and rule, it is prohibited to be a Christian or gather as church.
In England, the Church of England is the state (or ‘established’) church, which means we are to some degree entwined with our state, with the monarch (our head of state), and to our state government.
Some bishops, including Bishop Libby, are part of the House of Lords. They scrutinise legislation, hold the government to account, and consider public policy.
Much of the liturgy of the Church of England could be called political, not least the Magnificat which quotes Mary’s prayer and proclaimes the nature of God as one who:“…has cast down the mighty from their thrones and has lifted up the lowly... has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.”
Desmond Tutu is cited as saying: ‘When people tell me that the Bible has nothing to do with politics, I ask them “Which Bible are you talking about?”’
-
Is the Church independent and impartial?
It is important to bear in mind that churches are accountable to charity law (even if not registered with the Charity Commission) which prevents some aspects of lobbying during an election cycle. This doesn’t prevent all engagement, but it is important to understand what is and isn’t allowed during this time. Don’t let this put you off – your church can be involved in elections as long as it is within the boundaries of charity law.
A charity must stress its independence and impartiality and ensure involvement with political parties is balanced; they cannot support a political party but can support specific policies if it helps them achieve their charitable purpose. You should read the Charity Commission guidance, with section 4.4 focused on the specificities once an election has been called. More in-depth information on elections and referendums for charities is available here.
During election periods campaigning activities are also covered by the Electoral Commission - read their information on why the Lobby Act shouldn’t stop charities from campaigning.
If you would like more advice specifically related to churches, contact JPIT at enquiries@jointpublicissues.org.uk or on 020 7916 8632.
-
Further reading and upcoming events
Want to know a bit more? We recommend reading:
5 Reasons Christians Don’t Get Involved in Politics by Christians in Politics
Can Religion and Politics Mix Today? by Christians in Politics
- 1
What can I do?
As a church
1. Become a Voter Registration Champion
The Electoral Commission estimates that around 26 million eligible voters will miss out on voting at the next General Election because they haven't properly registered, don't have photo ID, or won't turn out to vote on the day.
You're at greater risk of not being able to participate in the democratic process if you are young, a non-UK national, rent your home, have moved recently, live in an economically-disadvantaged community, or are from an ethnic minority.
Your church can encourage democratic participation in your area by giving reminders on registration, ID, and voting dates in your pew sheets or e-news, sharing in service notices, running a voter registration event after your Sunday service or at your community groups. Even if people aren't British Citizens, they may still be eligible to vote (eg if they're from Commonwealth countries), so encourage people to check using the Can I Vote? search tool.
Find out how to accredit as a Voter Registration Champion with Citizens UK.
2. Host a hustings event
A hustings is an election meeting during a general election period. Hustings support the democratic process, facilitate public debate, and help people know who their local candidates are and what they stand for.
They can also be the start of relationship-building.
Continuing to work with MPs between elections is crucial for building good working relationships, raising issues important to your community, and keeping them accountable.
Hustings are normally organised locally by churches (often ecumenically through Churches Together networks) and communities.
If a hustings isn't being planned in your constituency, your church could host it.
Resources for running a hustings:
- Churches Together's guidance for running a hustings
- Register your hustings event with Churches Together here
With the general election only a few weeks away, you need to move quickly if you want to host a hustings event. If you can start planning now, we'd recommend you:
- Gather your planning team
- Decide on a venue (church building, community hall, school etc) and find out its availability
- Invite your local constituents (you may want to choose a date or offer a couple of dates, or to find out candidates' availability first)
3. Pray and preach
As a church, be praying for the election period; for your candidates, for respect and kindness during political debate, and that whoever forms the next government takes issues of poverty, inequality, and the environment seriously.
It can feel daunting to preach on politics during the election period, but it's vital for us to explore how our faith speaks into and interacts with politics today, and to encourage our congregations to be active citizens and voters.
Resources for prayer and preaching:
- Join with the Church of England's call to pray for our nation using the #PrayYourPart resources
- Watch the preaching politics part of this recorded webinar from the diocese
- Read blog Praying and Preaching from JPIT
As an individual
Unlike churches, parishioners are able to support a specific political party and to engage in any range of political activity or campaigning, assuming it is within the boundaries of the law.
Here's four things you could do this election season:
- Sign up for free daily reflections ahead of the election to join in prayer for our nation and play your part as a citizen and voter.
- Vote - register to vote, check what photo ID you need to take to the polling station, and find out who you can vote for. (Even if you're not a British Citizen, you may still be able to vote, so check here.)
- Attend a hustings - a public meeting where election candidates speak to potential voters, allowing you to hear directly from them and ask questions. Find out where your local hustings is and go along. It might even be at your church!
- Read Citizens UK’s General Election Manifesto setting out eight key issues they are asking the next UK Government to address.
Support and training
A series for churches to explore the theological take on the General Election, including strategies for mission and ministry in the context of General Election strategy: voter ID, voter registration, community engagement, and how we can prepare for the election.
Underlying all these themes will be the agenda of working at all times for social justice.
- Thursday 6 June, 4pm
- Thursday 5 September, 4pm
A three-day residential in London by Church Mission Society and Theos.
- 11-13 July 2024
Beyond the election
Elections aren’t the only time you can help shape the political direction.
Here are some ways you can engage beyond the elections...
Join a political party
Don’t sit on the sidelines - get involved with a political party to help be part of a team working to shape the agenda.
You join others to get involved with events and campaign days to help elect candidates, and vote on aspects of the party. You might even stand as an election candidate yourself one day.
You’re unlikely to find a party with whom you agree with on everything, but join one with whom you agree with most and help shape their policies.
Run the Influence Course
Run this interactive six-week course in small groups to explore the Biblical basis of our call to public life, and how we can be active participants not just armchair commentators.
Meet your MP
JPIT explains how you can build positive links between you and your MP, more than just sending an occasional email.
This gives your MP an opportunity to better understand the activities and concerns of their local community – update them on the good things you and your church are involved in, and the difficulties or challenges facing those in your community. See some top tips here.
You can also...
- Write to your MP about the things that matter most to you. Not sure what to say? Try a template from Hope for the Future.
- Track your MP’s activity in Parliament on Parallel Parliament
Even if there’s nothing specific you need your MP to do at this point, engagement now can still be important to grow a strong relationship which will aid you in the future if something important arises.
-
For getting a meeting
Does anyone in your church have an existing relationship with them?
Involve them if this relationship might be helpful.
Write them a clear, short email, making it clear you are in their constituency (put your address at the end of the email)
Chase them if you don’t hear back (email, phone, or in person during their surgery hours!)
-
During the meeting
Be warm and positive; build a relationship and a collaborative approach. It may sound obvious, but treat them with the dignity and kindness you would anyone else. A confrontational or accusatory meeting is unlikely to be productive.
Be clear about what the MP can do (this could be action or promoting a campaign/event – decide this before the meeting!)
Get details of the relevant person in their team to follow up with
-
After the meeting
Accountability – follow up with what they agreed to do, and keep their team informed about your work/event/campaign
Consider carefully whether you want to be publicly critical; it may damage the relationship you’re building
Continue to build the relationship! Follow their campaigns and contributions locally and in Parliament. Consider if you can support their work or feed in insights from your local involvements.
- 1
Join Citizens UK
Explore joining Citizens UK, an alliance of local faith groups, schools, charities, and unions in Reading, Oxford, or Milton Keynes, to act on issues related to the needs of local people. This might be through forming and joining campaigns, conversations with powerholders, and engagement with MPs.
Read
Some suggestions:
- Those Who Show Up, Andy Flannagan (Christians in Politics) – a book on the importance of being involved in politics, not just watching from the sidelines, and how this fits with faith.
- Just Mission: Practical Politics for Local Churches, Helen Cameron – an introduction to political and public theology for churches to see how to use the democratic process to achieve justice
- Politics & Mission: Rediscovering the Political Power of what Christians do, Bishop of Kingston, Martin Gainsborough – looking at how the church’s liturgy is powerful counter-cultural, and through this, the church is uniquely political
- Faith in Democracy: Framing a Politics of Deep Diversity, Jonathan Chaplain – considering the place of faith in public life, finding a third way beyond ‘secularism’ and the ‘Christian nation’
To be ordained deacon on Sunday 30 June 2024, at 10:45 in Derby Cathedral
I asked Jesus into every area of my life while at a Christian Camp at Lee Abbey, Devon, when I was 17 years old.
It was a good decision!
What a faithful, loving God we serve!
Over the years, I have been part of several different churches (Pentecostal and Anglican) and have had the privilege to serve in a variety of roles.
I trained as lay minister while serving at Westerham Parish Church, then continued there as ordinand through context-based dispersed ordination training.
This loving church community, in a rural town, are now sending us out.
Life following Jesus is never boring!
Following a wonderful two-year training based at Trinity College, Bristol, being built up for the next adventure, I am very much looking forward to this unexpected and exciting step.
While on retreat, I sensed the Lord directing us back to an urban setting.
And so, I am delighted to be serving my title as curate at St Peter’s in the City!
Over many years, I have had a rewarding career as a community paediatrician, working in special schools and neurodevelopmental clinics.
Prior to hanging up my stethoscope in 2021, I specialised in the health of looked-after children.
I also developed a refugee focus, addressing health needs of unaccompanied minors.
I have been involved in local church-based refugee ministry in London and on steering committees of national and European refugee ministry networks.
The dissertation that I am currently undertaking relates to refugee ministry in the CoE.
All this has led to a growing passion for accessibility and inclusion.
I look forward to joining in with all God is doing within the diocese, particularly among those often marginalised.
Enjoying being outdoors, I spend time off with my husband Andrew, family, and friends, walking in the countryside, bird watching, gardening, and working the allotment.
Yes, I have my name down for an allotment in Derby!
We enjoy being hospitable and relish time with our extended family.
Your prayers are greatly appreciated as we set sail for Derby!
- 1
How green are we?
How is your parish doing in its quest to become carbon net zero by 2030?
How is the Diocese of Derby doing as a whole?
To know the answers, we need facts and figures.
We track those details using the Energy Footprint Tool that is available to all parishes.
>>
>>
How green are we?
The Energy Footprint Tool, available to all parishes provides the facts and figures.
This easy-to-use tool will tell your church what your carbon footprint is annually, based on the energy you use to heat and light your buildings. The tool is provided for free!
It is a great feeling to know that you are making a difference and reassuring you that you are on the right Practical Pathway to Net Zero 2030.
All over the diocese, PCCs are moving to green-energy suppliers, others are moving away from fossil-fuel heating systems, some are moving towards more energy-efficient lighting, and all are considering how they can reduce their energy consumption.
Reducing consumption has the obvious benefit of reducing bills. But knowing your carbon footprint may support applications for funding to help you on your Net Zero journey. Reduced energy consumption means you really are caring for God's creation, helping to sustain a greener environment to live and work in, etc.
You are helping the diocese to fulfil elements of its vision – becoming greener, and ultimately challenging the climate injustice by reducing inequalities, making the world a better and fairer place. Good news for all!
We should be immensely proud of our continuing efforts to reduce our carbon footprints and being able to demonstrate it with the hard evidence you can get from the Energy Footprint Tool.
The tool makes use of data that the CofE already holds about your church buildings, and that means it needs very little additional input from you.
It was designed to be simple. If you need assistance we are here to help, so get in touch.
All you need is to have your 2024 electricity and gas/oil bills to hand and input the figures to the Energy Footprint Tool by Monday, 30 June 2025.
This will make a huge difference to your church, the diocese, and the CofE.
For further help with the Energy Footprint Tool, contact Samuel Ojok, our Diocesan Environmental Engagement Officer:
Samuel Ojok
01332 423368
samuel.ojok@derby.anglican.org
We love all the creative and different ways churches are engaging with their parishes and beyond.
Our vision is The Kingdom of God, Good News for All and it's great to see how so many churches in the Diocese of Derby are sharing stories of their success in achieving transformed lives through growing church and building community.
Here are a few that have caught our eye recently:
- All
- Default
- Title
- Date
- Random
Are you raising money for projects to help you cut your carbon footprint?
You could access a matched grant of up to £10k
Give To Go Green is a match-funding project from the Church of England helping you double your locally raised donations for carbon-cutting projects.
The scheme is available only in certain dioceses, including the Diocese of Derby!
Through a targeted digital fundraising campaign you will be able to engage your community in building a sustainable future for your church and the world around you.
Applications have re-opened with the following timetable:
.
Funding is available for churches that want to carry out small to medium sized projects that will reduce their carbon footprint and cost between £5,000 - £20,000.
Churches can access a matched grant of up to £10k towards their project if they can raise the same amount through digital giving (through Give A Little) during a targeted six-week campaign in the autumn.
Ideally, this should cover the total cost of the project so you can get straight on with implementing it after you receive your grant.
>> Start by downloading the application pack
What can be funded?
- Carbon-cutting projects in churches and church halls.
- Eligible measures from the Practical Path to Net Zero.
- Eg: quick win projects to improve heating efficiency, fixing broken windows, heated seat cushions, solar PV (if you’ve done other efficiency measures), insulation, electrical upgrades, LED lights, pew heaters, draught proofing etc. A list of eligible measures can also be found in the Project Pack
- Other measures not on the list can be considered, if it has been recommended for your church to reduce energy and carbon.
Please note if your project will require a faculty or planning permission it will be very challenging to complete this in the required time. Please speak to the DAC office as early as possible to find out what permissions you will need.
What do you need to do?
- Read the Project Application Pack to find out whether your project could be eligible.
- Set up a small project team, and set up a Give A Little account if you don’t have one.
- Think about your project, ideally you’ll need to get three quotes – but if you have a good project and only estimated costs please consider applying.
- Complete the Energy Footprint Tool (see page 8 of the application pack)
- Submit your application by the 16 March 2025.
- If accepted, attend the onboarding webinars and plan your fundraising campaigns.
- Run your fundraising campaign between 17 May - 28 September 2025.
- Deliver your project and spend the grant within 12 months of receiving it.
If you have any questions, please contact: Samuel Ojok, Diocesan Environmental Engagement Officer, 01332 423368 | samuel.ojok@derby.anglican.org
Apply here
>> Use this link to access the Diocese of Derby application form (opens in a new window)
>> Read the Give to Go Green Privacy Policy which relates to the data collection of these forms.
>> If you need it, you can download a Sample Application Form for reference.
Modern Slavery briefing is an optional session looking at national and local statistics and the issues around modern slavery.
This course will explore what it may look like, the most common forms of modern slavery, and what to do if you have a concern.
This course should be done as a national e-learning course available online via the Church of England Training Portal, which takes about 60 minutes to complete. If you have difficulties logging on or sharing an e-mail address with someone else who also uses the portal please contact the administrators by e-mail following the link on their Portal. This is managed nationally and we are unable to help.
No Zoom courses planned at present.
If you feel you may be affected by the contents of any safeguarding training and would like to discuss an exemption for a specific training course please contact Sue Griffin sue.griffin@derby.anglican.org our Victim and Survivor Lead, or Lisa Marriott lisa.marriott@derby.anglican.org our Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor for a confidential discussion.
This is an update regarding DBS checks for PCC members and churchwardens (ex officio PCC members), because guidance has recently changed.
Whether PCC members and churchwardens are entitled to an enhanced DBS check is dependent on the nature of the arrangements in the particular church body - requirements will therefore vary across different parishes and churches.
Being a member of a PCC does not automatically mean that the DBS threshold for an enhanced DBS check is met, unless the parish conducts work with children or vulnerable adults. This is because an enhanced DBS check without barred list check can only be applied for if the PCC itself qualifies as a children's or vulnerable adult's charity, or if an individual PCC member is undertaking work with children or vulnerable adults.
Therefore, if your parish does NOT do any work with children and/or vulnerable adults, your PCC members do NOT need an enhanced DBS check. If you wish to carry out a DBS check, that will be limited to a Basic check at the cost to the parish of £22.79 each (correct as at 15 May 2024).
If your parish DOES do any work with children and/or vulnerable adults, your PCC members should have an enhanced volunteer DBS check (without barred list), in their capacity of trustee. The Charity Commission states that 'whenever there is a legal entitlement to obtain a DBS check in respect of such a trustee, a check should be carried out'. The PCC member does not need to work with children or vulnerable adults themselves tobe eligible for this check - they are being checked because of the work of the charity.
Please note:
Churchwardens are ex officio members of the PCC, so where the PCC qualifies as a children's or vulnerable adult's charity, then the churchwardens, along with the other members of the PCC as trustees of a children's or vulnerable adult's charity, should also have an enhanced volunteers DBS check without barred list check.
30 May
The Revd Katrina Jenkins will be licensed as Priest-in-Charge of Matlock, St Giles and Dethick Lea and Holloway, Diocese of Derby, on Saturday, 13 July 2024 at 2pm at St Giles Matlock by the Bishop of Derby, assisted by the Archdeacon of Derbyshire Peak and Dales.
The Revd Lisa Price will start in the post as Assistant Curate of Hope, Castleton and Bradwell, Diocese of Derby, on Saturday, 29 June 2024, the day of her priesting at Derby Cathedral.
23 May
The Revd Claire Mitchell, who holds the Bishop of Derby’s Permission to Officiate, has been appointed Assistant Curate of Amington, Diocese of Birmingham.
The Revd Nicholas Radford-Powell, Assistant Curate in the Buxton with Burbage and King Sterndale Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby, will transfer his curacy and become Assistant Curate in the Wirksworth Team Ministry within the same diocese. Nicholas will start in his new post on Saturday, 29 June 2024, the day of his priesting at Derby Cathedral.
16 May
The Revd Elizabeth (Liz) England, Rector of Buxton with Burbage and King Sterndale Team Ministry, Diocese of Derby, has been appointed Incumbent of the Rural Daneside parishes, Diocese of Chester.
The Venerable Matthew Trick will be collated as Canon Residentiary at Derby Cathedral, Diocese of Derby, on Sunday 2nd June at 5.15 pm by the Bishop of Derby and installed by the Dean of Derby (amended 23 May)
The Revd Alan Winfield will be licensed as Assistant Curate (Associate Priest-SSM) of Melbourne, Smisby, Stanton-by-Bridge and Ticknall, Diocese of Derby, on Monday 17th June at 2 pm at Repton House by the Bishop of Repton.
9 May
The Revd Stephen Monk, Rector of Darley, South Darley and Winster, Diocese of Derby, has also been appointed Priest-in-Charge of Matlock Bath and Cromford in the same diocese. Stephen was licensed on Sunday 5th May 2024 by the Bishop of Repton at Holy Trinity Matlock Bath.
The Revd Anne Stratton, Vicar of Belper St Peter, Diocese of Derby, has announced her retirement. Anne’s last day in post will be 11th October with her retirement taking effect from 12th October 2024.
We offer a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to partner with us in building from scratch and pioneering in brand new contexts.
Our benefice was formed on 1st January 2024 and so we are coming together for the first time and seeking a new rector who will work with us to explore creative and innovative ways of communication, administration and governance to enable us to flourish and thrive in our existing ministry so that we can prioritise the new missional opportunities available to us.
