News and Events
Derby Diocesan Synod met for its 148th session this month at St John’s Walton near Chesterfield.
Gathering together in unity
Peter Kelsey, Chair of the House of Laity, began by welcoming people to the meeting, giving particular acknowledgement to the fact that this was the final meeting that Rt Rev Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton, would be attending. Peter also mentioned that it was the last meeting that Amanda Shreeve would facilitate before she leaves her post at the DBF this April. He expressed thanks to both on behalf of Synod members.
After the customary housekeeping notices and the noting of apologies for absence (28 laity and 12 clergy), Peter invited representatives from Peak Deanery to lead us in morning prayer.
Rev Fiona Kouble, from St John the Baptist in Tideswell, led a reflective time of worship, drawing on the words of Psalm 31, inviting synod to join in the refrain ‘into your hands I commend my spirit’. We also joined in a sung version of the Lord’s prayer to the melody of Kum By Yah – setting the meeting in a context of prayer and the continued presence of God.
Presidential address – reasons to be thankful
After worship, Peter invited Bishop Malcolm to give the presidential address.
Malcolm began by commenting that it had been the first sunny day for some weeks after a period of unsettled weather during February and early March, set against the international context of uncertainty and turmoil brought about by the US-Israel led conflict in Iran. He commented that these divisions are sadly reflected in our communities and even in our church, and of the need for continued prayer into these situations.
While there is uncertainty, Malcolm reminded us that we have things to be thankful for, and that the following Sunday was Laetare Sunday, a moment part way through the season of lent where we can break fast and celebrate God’s provision.
Inviting synod members to write down what they are thankful for on pink paper appropriate for the Laetare moment, Malcolm shared what he was especially grateful for in our diocese. He referenced the life and enthusiasm of Messy Church in Repton, new growth in the congregation at St Edmund’s Shelton Lock and the continued expansion of the Monday evening football outreach led by St Francis’ Mackworth. He expressed gratitude for the clergy who have already been through the Launchpad series, and for those on the current cohort learning how to reach young people in contexts where this sort of ministry has not been done before. He mentioned the innovative work that is pending in our schools, following funding from the national church, around racial justice and encouraging greater connections and conversation between people from different backgrounds. He celebrated the fact that we have four times more licenced clergy from global majority backgrounds than we had five years ago. Malcolm also gave thanks for the recently renewed ambition for greater international links with partner dioceses in Burundi, India and Canada.
Malcolm shared some of his personal moments of gratitude, in particular the privilege he had of confirming many people. He recounted some of the testimonies that he had heard: ‘the church has become my refuge’, others describing the ‘joyous love of God’, and yet another sharing that they had ‘found healing’.
The Accessibility Symbols project led by the Disability Inclusion and Action Group (DIAG) was highlighted as work that Malcolm was proud of on behalf of our diocese, especially now that it has expanded to the national ‘A Church Near You’ portal.
He also referenced the work we do across the diocese to challenge injustice; the tragedy of the need for foodbanks but the beacons of light and hope that they provide for the most vulnerable people in our communities. He noted too the work that we have done towards lowering our carbon footprint.
Malcolm concluded his address by pointing to the coming conclusion of his own public ministry – that he was doing so with a mixture of joy and sadness, but also with an assuredness of God’s presence in the world amidst times of struggle and pain. His final challenge to us was simple: ‘be strong and let your hearts take courage’.
His address was met with applause.
Finance strategy update
The minutes of the 147th meeting of synod, also held at St John’s, were approved. This was followed by an update from Will Hagger, Diocesan Secretary, about the newly-formed Financial Strategy Group. Will shared the remit of the group and a little about the context in which we find ourselves as a diocese, in particular the run of deficit budgets over recent years, the falling trajectory of common fund contributions from parishes, and the challenges associated with accessing Diocesan Investment Programme (DIP) funding.
The group has only met once so far, but has clear objectives to work towards: to return the DBF to a balanced budget over five years, to increase church’s financial health (and thereby grow common fund capacity), and to look at sustainable efficiencies in clergy and DBF costs.
There were no questions.
Living in Love and Faith – any next steps
After noting and considering the written question and answers item on the agenda, Peter ceded the chair to Brain Parker, lay chair of South East Derbyshire Deanery, who hosted the discussion on Living in Love and Faith (LLF). This included an update on the consultation with separate Houses of Diocesan Synod on LLF, and follow up on the decisions of General Synod in February responding to the House of Bishops Statement on Living in Love and Faith.
The discussion began with group members with different points of view on LLF sharing their reflections on the format and tone of their discussions. These reflections were mainly positive: there was space to engage constructively with each other, a recognition of the nervousness and anxiety around being vulnerable in conversations of a sensitive topic, but also an appreciation of the respect shown and the desire to find common ground.
A positive challenge was shared by one of the speakers: ‘Don’t be scared to engage with others who may have different point of view.’
Rev Gary Weston, Priest in Charge of St Thomas and St Mark Brampton, then led synod in the discussion of a couple of questions, set in the context of feedback from both the House of Laity and House of Clergy. Gary shared two word clouds (from each house respectively) which highlighted peoples’ feelings about the conversations around LLF
Synod were asked to consider two questions in light of this discussion:
- Would Synod like the Consultation Group to work through how we might have a facilitated conversation, as Synod, to share the hurt and distress we feel and to explore behaviours that we would want to exhibit as Synod members as we discuss this and other challenging matters?
- Does Synod feel that the offer of a facilitated conversation would be helpful in other areas of Diocesan life, such as at Deanery level (Both Synods and Chapter) and at the Clergy Conference?
The results were captured via a digital Slido poll, indicating an affirmative answer to question one, but less enthusiasm for question two. Synod recognised that not everyone would have had the opportunity to take part in the digital poll and that these results were indicative only.
This part of the agenda concluded with some questions around process: were the pastoral principles of LLF considered during the consultation – to which the answer was yes; and also a question around clarity around the remit of LLF – to which synod was directed to the House of Bishop’s statement. Some specific resources for facilitating healthy yet challenging conversations in a church context were promoted, specifically the Difference course that has recently been released by the Church of England.
After this synod adjourned for a coffee break.
Social isolation – a motion to debate
The second half of Synod was chaired by Rev Nicola McNally, who invited Matt Barnes, Director of Mission, Evangelism and Parish Revitalisation, to introduce a debate on a motion from, Peter Kelsey of Carsington deanery, to combat social isolation.
The motion was welcomed almost universally by synod, with several comments from members to draw out specific themes and challenges. The need for objectivity in assessing the need, thinking long-term and seeing the big picture was raised by Peter Robinson, Dean of Derby. Others drew on examples of people who experience social isolation who may not immediately come to mind ranging from victims of domestic violence to refugees and asylum seekers. Synod was encouraged not to forget the missional outcome of contexts of social and economic deprivation, and not to divert funds away from equally important aspects of our work. There was also a plea to involve people who experience loneliness in the design of any projects or interventions; to ‘do with’ rather than ‘do to’ people who are isolated in their communities.
The motion was carried, with these comments noted.
Final business
Synod received and noted regular reports including notices and updates around elections and appointments to committees.
Bishop Libby shared an overview of the process for appointing a new Bishop of Repton once Bishop Malcom retires from office. She explained that filling the vacancy was not automatic and that a case needed to be made to the Dioceses Commission. Libby invited comments and feedback that might shape the role profile and job description for the see to be sent through to her office. Bishop Libby also sought the views in principle that recruitment to the vacancy for Bishop of Repton be sought. Most of synod indicated their support, with one person voting against.
The final piece of business was an amendment to Canon law which was shared verbally as per Church of England governance practice: ‘Amending Canon No. 44 amends Canon C 8 to include provision for the exercise of ministry by Armed Forces chaplains’
Synod adjourned earlier than the expected time of 1pm, but will meet again on Saturday 13 June at St Werburgh’s, Derby.
Growing a Younger Church Conference - Saturday, 6 June 2026 from 10am - 4pm.
The conference is tailored to clergy, paid or voluntary leaders, and helpers who want to be equipped and encouraged in their children’s and youth ministry.
A full day of teaching and learning, and chance to connect with others.
Discover practical, creative approaches to discipling Gen Alpha and making church life welcoming and accessible for every child.
Hear how to begin new worshipping communities for young people, learn to run retreat days for your local primary schools, and explore much more.
Secure places for yourself and others today!
Find out more and sign up - https://bit.ly/GYC2026
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
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.
Following a rewarding experience with a visiting preacher, Christ Church Holloway is actively thinking “outside of the box” – appreciating what they currently offer for those with disability needs and starting to consider what they could offer in the future.
Lynda Herbert, Reader, recently preached on the discrimination suffered in Jesus’s time, and gave an insight into the new disability symbols that were launched at Derby Diocesan Synod in June 2025.
The symbols are the work of the Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG) and help churches nationwide inform disabled people about what they can expect when they visit a church. They will soon be displayed on the Church Near You webpages, and this will help disabled people thoughtfully plan their visits.
Peter Kelsey, PCC Lay Chair and Treasurer, said, “We offer large print books, a hearing loop, disabled toilet facilities and ramps to allow wheelchairs to get up the steps into our church. What we don’t offer is significant, and it’s difficult to make the slope up to our church less steep, but we can and will do more, maybe a disabled parking space, maybe some other idea.
“I think we all learned a great deal from Lynda, and our thanks go out to her”.
Lynda Herbert said, “It was a privilege to be invited to preach at Christ Church Holloway for their Dedication Festival. It is a truly beautiful church, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The Disability Symbols Project includes a wide range of accessibility symbols that highlight what churches can offer and encourage them to be confident in their outreach.
More Information
>> View and download the Accessibility Symbols
>> Learn more about DIAG – the Disability Inclusion Action Group
Sunday 8 March is International Women’s Day. In line with one of our priorities of growing more diverse, the Parish Support Team, the Bishop’s Office and the DBE have recognised International Women’s Day (IWD) this year.
Since 1911, IWD has raised awareness on gender equality, celebrating women's achievements, and raising awareness about discrimination. This years’ give to gain campaign encourages a mindset of generosity and collaboration. It recognises the power of reciprocity and support. Some Parish Support Team staff have been considering what this means for them:
“I am "giving to gain" by holding strong boundaries and prioritising family life over career advancement, sharing the responsibilities of running our home with my wife, and encouraging her to explore and develop her own career in a pressure-free environment”.
“I am ‘giving to gain’ by becoming a mentor in the NCI HR network, giving back to new female HR staff who want a career in the field”.
“Give to gain ... it is a privilege to continue to journey with women whom God is calling through vocational exploration, curacy training and in their ministry. I also delight in raising my young daughter to truly be the person God is calling her to be.”
“I celebrate women and the incredible gifts they bring. I try to model positive affirmation every day, recognising her hard work, telling her how lovely she looks, or simply cheering her on. The media is often full of negativity about women, so let’s change that narrative. Let’s celebrate each other. We are all wonderful, and the world becomes brighter when we lift one another up!”
“This International Women’s Day, I give thanks for the women who have shaped my faith, my ministry, and my life. From the strong female priests who guided my calling, to my wife and daughter who inspire me daily, I stand in gratitude and solidarity. May we continue building a Church and a society where every woman’s God‑given dignity, wisdom, and leadership are fully recognised and celebrated.”
“As a woman, don't feel that you have to emulate masculine qualities to reflect God, rather embrace your deep strength as a woman and know that you are reflecting a beautiful quality that is in our God. We all, male... female... and all colours and sizes have been created to reflect His beauty and strength.”
Our journey through Lent has a particular shape to it, one that is revealed to us through the Gospel reading that many of us heard read in our churches on the Sunday before Lent, the story of Jesus’ Transfiguration from St Matthew’s Gospel.
When the Transfiguration is read to us, we stand in our imaginations on the top of the mountain with Jesus and his disciples, recovering our breath from the steep climb. That was my experience in the Holy Land many years ago when with friends we decided not to take the local taxis but clambered up the never-ending, winding road, regretting out decision to walk!
So, it an inspired choice because a few days before Lent begins, we take in the view of the valley that stretches out below us, and we see a picture of the journey to come. Just as Jesus and his disciples would have looked toward Jerusalem from the mountain’s summit, so we look to what is to come. In the distance we can see three crosses standing outside the city walls of Jerusalem. In our mind’s eye we can see Jesus’ Resurrection and Ascension and even beyond that the birthday of the church at Pentecost.
Before us we can see the winding path down into the valley which represent to us our journey through Lent, which is a spiritual pathway down the mountainside. The valley floor is Lent itself, the space the church creates for us through its promotion of personal discipline, fasting, bible reading, study and prayer for the next few weeks.
Spending dedicated time with God, wrapped around by activities that practise restraint, creates a deeper awareness of ourselves, our desires and our relationship with God. Lent is like entering a valley where the noise of the world decreases, where we become alert to the sounds of the countryside that we often fail otherwise to hear, and the stillness allows us to lift up hearts to God.
This is just one of the reasons why we read the story of the Transfiguration just before Lent begins, but there are deeper ones. Seeing God’s glory in Jesus represents the goal of our journey as followers of Jesus as we encounter face to face the one who is fully human and fully divine. We glimpse our ultimate destination as Christians on the mountain of Transfiguration, but as Peter became deeply aware, on this earth we cannot freeze the moment but need to continue our journey. Seeing Jesus in his glory impels us to engage with the realities of our lives, our communities and of this world.
Jesus with his disciples descended the mountain and entered back into ordinary everyday life, no doubt with a fresh vision of God, but more aware of path towards the suffering, agony and death of crucifixion and the hope of resurrection.
And the words of God the Father from the cloud that settled on the mountaintop can also guide us on our Lenten journey. ‘This is my Son, the beloved: with whom I am well pleased; listen to him’. Focus on the person of Jesus our Saviour and listen to God’s voice to us through all that we do during Lent. On behalf of the Bishop’s Leadership Team, I send my prayers for a profitable time in the valley of Lent, and as we anticipate our encounter with the crucified and risen one at Easter.
The Very Rev’d Peter Robinson
The Dean of Derby
Revd Fiona Barber, Assistant Curate at Sinfin Moor, and her family moved into the Sinfin Moor estate and started to build links. She recognised the multicultural community and embraced the opportunity of getting to know people of different faiths and cultures.
“Food and Faith” is a time where everyone brings food from across the world, and everyone eats, prays, reads scripture and learn together. Most of all, they seek God in this place and where he is leading them.
Held monthly on a weekday evening around a dinner table, it's multi-generational and multicultural. Everyone benefits from the different insights from all traditions and ways of doing things.
Revd Fiona said, “We have no idea what this new worshipping community will look like as it flourishes and grows, but we do just seek God in that. We seek and pray for the Holy Spirit to guide us and lead us. We have no idea what's down the line, but at this point we're listening to the community around us”.
This truly explores what it means to grow church and build community. It is exciting to see what God will grow at Sinfin Moor.
Please enjoy this short video of Revd Fiona talking about “Food and Faith”:
Chellaston church leads the way in accessibility
Visit St Peter’s Church in Chellaston, and you will always feel a special welcome – especially if you have accessibility needs.
An early adopter of the accessibility symbols, devised by The Diocese of Derby Disability Inclusion Action Group (DIAG), they identified the most appropriate for their church and proudly display them on their welcome leaflet, the weekly notice sheet, on service notice screens and in relevant event publicity.
Congregation members with disabilities have appreciated this step forward and moved by the efforts made to make church life more accessible to them.
Revd Simon Drew, Vicar of St Peter's, said “The symbols are a great way of raising awareness in the wider congregation and making those with disabilities feel valued and welcomed in a practical way”.
Congregation members are more aware now of the needs of others, and the symbols provide additional support. Adaptations have been made, as appropriate, for existing members of the congregation.
The PCC is reviewing how the church provides for each of the symbols used and is including neurodivergent-friendly considerations in that. There are also plans to include the symbols on the church website.
Full details of the DIAG accessibility symbols, including download options, are available at https://accessiblechurch.net.
You can also learn more about DIAG and it’s work on the Diocese of Derby website.
Infra-red Heating in Churches demonstration
Tuesday, 24 February 2024
St Mary the Virgin, Church Street, Denby Village Ripley, DE5 8PH
Due to high demand we have taken the decision to run two separate sessions:
Morning session from 10 am to 12.30 pm
Afternoon session from 2 pm to 4.30 pm
If you would like to attend, please contact netzero@derby.anglican.org
(If you have previously expressed an interest you will be contacted about which session to attend).
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?
Modern infra-red electrical heaters are a popular heating solution for churches. They are a ‘heat the people’ solution, rapidly providing heat where a congregation is gathered. With renewable electricity this means much lower greenhouse gas emissions when compared with a gas or oil boiler.
St Mary the Virgin in Denby have installed such a system to their grade one listed medieval church building. In the process they have gained much valuable knowledge and experience, which they are happy to share.
Come and see it in action on! Contact Gordon Sephton at netzero@derby.anglican.org for booking and further details.
Ten clergy from across our diocese have recently completed the Launchpad course, giving them skills and tools to begin youth work programmes in their churches.
Launchpad, developed by Youthscapes, is a five-week course designed for clergy with emerging or no current youth ministry, to encourage, equip and embolden them with new ideas, knowledge and confidence around working with young people. The programme was developed and piloted with churches in the Church of England in the Dioceses of London, St Alban’s and Blackburn, and is now running across over 20 Dioceses.
Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, and Rt Revd Malcolm Macnaughton, Bishop of Repton, presented the clergy with certificates as they celebrated their developing visions, strategies and commitment to youth ministry.
Bishop Libby shared her story of being a young person in a church youth group, and how the simple act of someone remembering her name had impacted her and helped her to feel a sense of belonging.
Alice Smith from Youthscape spoke about the importance of youthwork and shared pieces of art created by young people in response to Bible verses. These reflected how profoundly young people can think about complex and deep topics, and that they should not be underestimated.
As well as sharing in a time of prayer for the young people in our communities, the cohort talked about the impact that the course had on them and how motivated they are to keep youth ministry at the forefront of their prayers and plans moving forward.
You can read more about the resources the Diocese of Derby has available for working with young people on the Growing Younger pages of our website.
On 28 January 2026, The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, undertook an important role as a King’s Commissioner during the Archbishop of Canterbury's Confirmation of Election at St Paul’s Cathedral.
The Election is a formal legal ceremony where the King's Commissioners confirm the election by the College of Canons, officially making the Archbishop-elect the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Archbishop Dame Sarah Mullally paid homage to the King (as Supreme Governor) and received the restoration of temporality (rights of office) before her installation at Canterbury Cathedral in March 2026.
After this confirmation, Dame Sarah officially became the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Bishop Libby said, “It is an honour to have been invited to undertake this role as part of the Confirmation of Election. I am delighted to support Archbishop Sarah as she takes up her new ministry. It has been a privilege and pleasure to work with her over many years, and to serve with her now as Archbishop. Please join me in praying for Sarah, and her family, as she begins her new role, leading the Diocese of Canterbury, Church of England and the Anglican Communion”.
This Holocaust Memorial Day we are reminded that the responsibility of remembrance doesn't end with the survivors - it lives on: through their children, their grandchildren and through all of us. The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) 2026, 'Bridging Generations', is a call-to-action.
We are challenged to engage actively with the past - to listen, to learn and to carry those lessons forward. By doing so, we build a bridge between memory and action, between history and hope for the future.
Services and events will be held to mark the day, including a Stone Setting Service and a Service of Remembrance, Commemoration and Hope at Derby Cathedral, and QUAD will host a Multicultural Holocaust Memorial event in the evening.
The Rt Revd Libby Lane, Bishop of Derby, said, “It is imperative that the lived experience of the Holocaust continues to shape our understanding and behaviour. I echo the national theme of the importance of ‘bridging generations’, which will ensure we never forget. On this day, especially in light of recent terrible events of violence against them, our prayers remain with the Jewish community”.
Learn More
>> Holocaust Memorial Day Trust
>> Derby Cathedral
