Lucy Harrison
At some time, every member of clergy or at least one officer at a church will receive a call from a journalist.
This could be about something positive happening within the church or (more likely) after a tragedy, an allegation or negative news story.
The tips below are aimed to help you through what can be a stressful situation.
- Call the diocesan Communications Office (01332 388671) – we are here to help and can offer advice or be the point of contact for the media to take the pressure off you.
- If the enquiry is about a negative story or allegation direct the journalist to the Communications Office. It is not always appropriate to comment on every media request.
- If a journalist calls you for a comment on a story, positive or negative, remember that you do not have to make a comment if you don't want to!
They may tell you that they must have a comment or that they are going to print in an hour or something similar to get you to comment straight away, but you are perfectly entitled to say 'no', or to say that you need some time to prepare a correct and accurate reponse.
If they persist, ask them to speak to the Communications Office at Derby Church House (01332 388671) or email communications@derby.anglican.org
- Remember that “the media” isn’t the enemy! Being interviewed can be an invaluable opportunity to share your message with the wider public.
- Avoid speaking “off the cuff”, be polite and offer to phone them back once you have thought about a comment.
- Use this time to prepare and make sure you have all the information you need.
- Only agree to talk about a subject you are confident about. If you can’t help, offer to get someone who can or forward them to the Communications Office.
- Remember that there is no such thing as “Off the record”. Don’t say anything you wouldn’t be happy reading on the front page of The Times.
- Use simple, positive, everyday language. Avoid church jargon!
- Deliver with enthusiasm and energy!
- Enjoy yourself and let the Communications Office know when you are being interviewed and when the item will be published or broadcast.
Communications Office
communications@derby.anglican.org
01332 388671 | 07540 120899
The Worship Advisory Group (WAG) is a small group appointed by Bishop Alastair to help with encouraging and supporting liturgy of the highest quality, transforming worship across the Diocese of Derby. Please complete this short questionnaire to help us best resource parishes throughout the diocese in Liturgy and Worship
Download a copy of the questionnaire below
Reader Renewals
Renewing a license or Permission to Officiate is not just a piece of administration, but a really good opportunity to take stock of the ministry that you offer with the people around you, as well as in the quiet of your own heart and mind. In line with national guidance, licenses need to be renewed every three years. Our rhythm is that this needs to happen by Advent of the year written on the back of the license. We do also send reminders though.
The only paperwork we need to renew a license (other than confirming that the safeguarding training and DBS are up to date - which is the strict responsibility of the LLM(R)) is approval from the PCC, and an up-to-date working agreement, signed by both the Reader and their incumbent or Area Dean if in vacancy. We have templates for all these which we send out with the reminders, or they can be downloaded using the links below. Once we have all the paperwork, the Lay Ministries Officer (who is also Warden of Readers) will read through the Working Agreement and, if they are happy, recommend to the Bishop that the minister’s license or PtO is renewed. Once we have confirmation, we will be in touch to confirm.
It is important that we have the paperwork in good time. If an LLM(R)s license or PtO has not been renewed by the end of their renewal year, their license or PtO is no longer active and they cannot minister. They will receive confirmation of this. If this does happen, the paperwork should be sent as soon as possible, and the LLM(R) must wait for confirmation from the Bishop that their license or PtO has been returned before ministering again.
LLM(R)s are also offered the opportunity of a chat and catch-up with one of the Deputy Wardens, who make contact in the first few months of the year. This could be to talk about what ministry has looked like, or consider what the next stage of life and ministry will look like.
Annual Returns
Each year, those admitted to the Office of Reader (all LLM(R)s) who are in active ministry, should complete a Reader Return. This helps the Parish Support Office understand the breadth, scope, and scale of Licensed Lay Ministry across the Diocese, and allows us to contribute to the national picture too. This is sent directly to all Readers who hold a current and active license or permission to officiate and is filled out online however if you require a paper copy, please contact the Lay Ministries Officer PA.
Key Contacts
Fiona Bennett - Fiona.Bennett@derby.anglican.org or 01332 388670
Ben Martin - Ben.Martin@derby.anglican.org or 01332 278139
Document templates
PCC support for Reader Licence Renewal
>> Reader working agreement [Word doc]
>> Reader licence renewal - PCC support form [Word doc]
See also: What is a Reader? | Becoming a Reader | Readers Handbook | Reader Returns and Reviews | Reader Licence Renewals | Get in touch
Advent Seasonal Eucharistic Resorces
To download a PDF click here
To download a word file click here
