United Reformed Church

��ֱ�� joins call for a just peace for all who call the Holy Land home

Ann-Marie Nye — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 09:00:55 +0000

The United Reformed Church (��ֱ��), alongside its world justice programme Commitment for Life, has joined faith leaders, churches, faith-based charities and other organisations in forming a UK-wide, cross-denominational coalition calling for an end to the illegal occupation of Palestine.

The campaign called “Time to Act” has been organised by the of churches and charities, and also includes All We Can; Amos Trust CAFOD; Christian Aid; Christians for Palestine; EAPPI UK and Ireland; Embrace the Middle East; Iona Community; Justice and Peace Scotland; Methodist Church; Pax Christi England and Wales; Quakers in Britain; Sabeel-Kairos UK; SCIAF; Undeb Yr Annibynwyr Cymraeg/the Union of Welsh Independents; FaithJustice; and Yr Eglwys yng Nghymru/Church in Wales.

They say the conflict in the Middle East and the rise in Israeli settler violence in the West Bank has decimated communities — Christian and Muslim alike — and destroyed the lives and life chances of millions.

Coalition spokesperson, the Revd John Plant explained the initiative was an opportunity to act in solidarity with churches in Palestine and ensure their voices are heard by those with the power to change things: “We are united in our belief that a just peace in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory is possible. But until our leaders act, the violence, displacement, detention and fear will carry on. Communities will be decimated, whole families wiped out, along with the possibility of a Palestinian state.

“We are mobilising church communities across the UK to stand with our sisters and brothers and raise their voices in a united call for stronger action to work towards a sustainable and just peace for all those who call the Holy Land home. By adding your name, you are joining a growing movement of people committed to listening, learning, living differently, and taking action for justice, accountability, and peace.”

Church leaders around the UK are supporting the campaign.

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said: “Time to Act provides us with the opportunity to come together as Christians and to advocate for a just peace in Israel and Palestine — a peace characterised by the active promotion of justice and the nurturing of equitable relationships within and between communities so that everyone can live life in all its fullness. I encourage all Christians to join this campaign and to seek this peace and to pursue it with all the urgency that it requires.”

Catriona Wheeler, Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, said: “I pray that this call reaches those who may hear and respond, so that in the darkness of troubles there may be hope.”

The Revd Mark Slaney, Chair Scotland District & Shetland District and Designate Methodist Conference President, visited the West Bank this year. He said: “I have been in the West Bank with Palestinian Christians and heard their longing desire for a just peace. Time To Act offers church leaders and partners an opportunity to share and respond to this desire in active solidarity and in strong united prayer and protest.”

And the Most Revd Cherry Vann, Archbishop of Wales, Church in Wales, said: “Time to Act is about courageous voices – Israeli, Palestinian, Jewish, Christian, Muslim, and others – who continue to advocate for justice, reconciliation, and peace. These voices deserve our support, and they demand a response in action from the UK government and Welsh government alike. People of goodwill, faith communities, civil society organisations, and citizens everywhere must speak clearly and courageously: enough is enough. The pursuit of justice, peace, and human dignity for all should be our chief driving passion and force.”

Theologian and writer the Revd Dr Munther Isaac from the Bethlehem Bible College and Christmas Evangelical Lutheran Church in Bethlehem is supporting the movement and urging UK churches to sign up to a shared commitment for justice, peace, and human dignity.

The Revd Dr Munther Isaac

He said: “We need churches in the UK to speak up because we are one body. When one member suffers, all suffer together. Solidarity is not optional; it is part of our calling as followers of Christ.

“There is also a particular responsibility. Given Britain’s historical role, both through its colonial legacy and its support for Zionism, and given the ways Christian theology has at times been used to justify injustice, churches in the UK have a special moral obligation to speak with clarity and courage.

“Moreover, the United Kingdom remains one of Israel’s closest allies. This gives churches in the UK opportunities and influence that we in Palestine often do not possess. Their voice matters.

“What is at stake is not only the future and very existence of Palestinian Christians and the wider Palestinian people, who are facing a brutal assault in Gaza and increasing violence and displacement in the West Bank. What is also at stake is the credibility of the Christian witness itself. In the face of such blatant violations of human rights before the eyes of the world, silence is not neutrality; it is a failure of discipleship.

“That is why we need the church in the UK to speak – with unity, moral clarity, and the courage to stand on the side of truth, justice, and human dignity.”

Coalition members and supporters are urging the UK government to:

Ban trade with and investment in illegal settlements and suspend the UK–Israel Trade and Partnership Agreement until Israel ends its illegal occupation and respects human rights.

Suspend all arms sales to Israel until it complies with international law.

Impose sanctions on Israeli ministers and political leaders who are inciting or are responsible for severe human rights violations against Palestinians.

Co-operate with and support the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court to ensure accountability for all parties. Accountability includes prosecuting UK citizens who have committed war crimes abroad.

To find out more about how you and your church can get involved, please go to .

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Stepwise: From music to meaning and finding a new calling

Ann-Marie Nye — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 06:30:34 +0000

When Liane Todd lost her career as a musician following a life‑changing accident, she thought she had lost the thing that had shaped her identity from childhood.

Now, through the United Reformed Church’s Stepwise programme, she has discovered a new way of expressing faith — through poetry, worship leading, and a deeper understanding of where God is calling her.

Liane, a member of Trinity Church in Bedlington, had been an active musician since the age of nine, playing clarinet, saxophone, flute and piano, and working as a peripatetic woodwind teacher for more than 25 years.

Her life changed dramatically in 2017 after a serious accident at a local theatre, when a large piece of stage scenery fell into the orchestra pit where she was waiting to perform.

“I was ready to play,” Lianne said. “And then, just like that, everything changed.”

The accident left her with limited movement down the left-hand side of her body and unable to use her left hand while being left-hand dominant. The musician was also left with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and post‑traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), forcing her to retire on health grounds.

Music, once central to her life, was suddenly no longer possible.

“It all went downhill pretty fast,” she reflected. “Music was my life and I found it very hard to consider that it was no longer there.”

Despite feeling lost, Liane remained connected to her church. Over time, she was encouraged to undertake positive activities by her mother. Liane’s occupational therapist also asked her if she would consider trying a one-handed clarinet, but the accident still felt too raw at that time.

After a conversation with the Revd Dave Herbert, the then moderator of Northern Synod, she was encouraged to explore taking part in Stepwise. What began as a search for direction became something unexpected.

“The course began with Faith-filled Life and then I progressed onto Faith-filled worship and that,” says Liane, with a broad smile spreading across her face, “was a revelation.

“I wanted to deepen my faith and understand where God was calling me,” she said. “However when I started, my lifelong interest in creative writing came to mind and I felt I felt drawn to include poetry as part of the course work.”

Week by week, Liane began writing poems inspired by scripture, faith, and reflection. What started as a small contribution quickly became an integral part of her experience.

“I asked if I could read one of the poems as a prayer at the end of a session, and fellow course members were really surprised and encouraged me to carry on.”

She has since gone on to write regularly, even publishing a poetry collection about her beloved Northumberland, Echoes of Time, and continues to explore creative ways to express faith.

Liane has also begun leading worship, something she never imagined she would do.

“I honestly never thought I would lead a service,” she said. “But now I’ve taken full services, using what I’ve learned and building on it.”

For Liane, Stepwise has not just been about learning, but transformation.

“It’s not just about gaining knowledge,” she said. “It encourages reflection, discussion, and asking where God is at work in us and in the church.”

The journey following the accident has not been without its struggles. She describes periods of deep anger, asking “why me?” and “give me a break”.

Over time, however, her faith has shifted from frustration to acceptance and new purpose.

“I thought God wanted me to be the musician, the organist, the choir leader,” she said. “But now I wonder if this — writing, leading worship, taking time — is where God was calling me all along.”

That change has brought with it a renewed sense of direction.

“I can give more of myself now,” she said. “I’m not rushing in and out of church. I’m taking time to know God, and to understand where I’m going.”

Liane is clear that Stepwise requires commitment, but believes the rewards are worth it.

“If you’re prepared to do the work, you will get out of it what you’re meant to,” she said.

Today, while challenges remain, she says there is more “colour” back in her life; a powerful contrast to the “solid black” she once described in the aftermath of her accident.

“Things could have been much worse,” she says simply. “I’m very lucky to be here.”

Stepwise is for everyone: all ages, shapes and sizes — including you! To get started or learn more, see the dedicated Stepwise webpage or contact your local Synod Stepwise Contact (details can be found on the Stepwise page under ‘Let us know you are interested).

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Norwich churches support restorative justice

Laurence Wareing — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 07:00:48 +0000

A group of small churches in Norfolk has teamed up with a statutory scheme that aims to keep young people out of the criminal justice system.

The four congregations that make up the Norwich Area ��ֱ�� Mission Partnership are teaming up with Norfolk Youth Justice Service (NYJS) to receive practical support for their buildings and community events.

NYJS works with children to help prevent them re-offending and to repair the damage they have caused to their victims. It operates throughout England and Wales under the auspices of the Ministry of Justice.

When the Revd Tina Wilson met with Paul Usher (pictured above), one of three reparation workers in Norfolk, she realised a partnership with the scheme would not only be a way to engage with important work in the area, but that her churches could themselves suggest practical projects for children to engage with.

Each church has provided a wish list of options and, together with NYJS, they will prioritise what is possible and where the work is most needed. Conversations are already happening about producing bird tables, planters and other items that can be sold as part of a planned fundraising day. Possible maintenance work has also been talked about, and support at community mornings, serving teas and coffees.

Children aged 10-18 taking part in the scheme do so voluntarily – otherwise it can’t be restorative, says Operations Manager Carla Hamilton. Restorative justice aims to help keep children out of remand centres and to repair harm done, and may include conversations between a child and their victim. Recommendations, and the duration of the reparation period, are overseen by a panel of volunteers and facilitated by a multi-agency team.

Options for reparation can be varied, says Carla. They range from making cards for a card shop to repairing bikes or clearing a churchyard. “It’s not just about saying sorry – it’s about repairing harm to the community they’ve offended in and recognising that their actions have had an impact.”

Tina says the scheme recognises that many churches don’t have a lot of money, but that in many congregations there are needs that it can meet, from painting or window cleaning to washing up at community events. At the same time, in churches there are people willing to be encouragers and supporters of young people.

Delighted by the opportunities already emerging from the initiative, Tina says her conversations with Paul and Carla have been “full of hope, shared purpose, and practical ideas for supporting young people and strengthening our churches. I’m encouraged by the possibilities ahead and look forward to building this partnership across our four churches.”

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Around the ��ֱ��: Stories from our churches, 18 June 2026

Ann-Marie Nye — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 16:34:26 +0000

A selection of news and stories from across the United Reformed Church.

Global and Intercultural Church

Advocates championing racial justice gathered at The Lumen in London on 15 June to shape the next phase of their work and renew their collective commitment. The meeting highlighted both strategy and impact, from plans for ongoing advocacy to updates from across the wider church.

Karen Campbell updated the meeting that she had been reappointed as Head of Global & Intercultural Church for a further five years, while inspiring stories were shared from local and global contexts — including a multicultural service in Northern Synod where language, liturgy, songs and shared food reflected the full diversity of the participants, and feedback from Council for World Mission initiatives in Malaysia (Deconstructing Racism, Reconstructing Justice) and Thailand (A Place of Refuge).

Together, the group affirmed the urgent and ongoing importance of racial justice within the life of the Church.

Evangelism and Ecumenism

Lindsey Brown, Head of Evangelism and Ecumenism, attended part of the Landessynode of the Evangelische Kirche der Pfalz in Speyer, Germany last week.

Most closely equivalent with the ��ֱ�� General Assembly, items on the agenda included updates from a major transformation project (part of a nationwide restructuring of the Protestant churches); innovative “blessing” projects which reach out into the margins of communities; and the painful decision to close a much-loved church school.

Pictured with Lindsey are pastors Pfarrer Martin Henninger, left, who will once again be representing the Pfalz Church at General Assembly 2026, and right, Anja Behrens, the new partnership link person, whose hospitality and translation were much appreciated.

Speyer is the birthplace of Protestantism, where in 1629 princes and states protested against the Holy Roman Emperor’s ban on Martin Luther’s teachings.

Lindsey said: “I was glad of the opportunity to visit the Memorial Church with its imposing statue of Luther and its remarkable windows and symbolism.”

West Midlands Synod

The Revd Steve Faber, Moderator of West Midlands Synod, has joined faith leaders in Birmingham in calling for peace.

In a joint statement, the leaders condemned racism ahead of a reported Britain First rally planned in the city for 20 June and called for peace across all communities.

“Our communities are better, richer and stronger when we include and serve all who live here, wherever they may come from,” said the leaders in the statement.

Along with Steve, the statement was signed by faith leaders from Birmingham Central Mosque, Birmingham Progressive Synagogue and the Church of England.

Thames North Synod

St Albans ��ֱ�� has welcomed its new minister, the Revd Naomi Young‑Rodas, with a special induction service attended by a full congregation.

Naomi will serve churches in St Albans, Luton and Dunstable as part of a wider team ministry across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.

Naomi, who previously served in Essex, said she hopes to help churches serve their communities and share God’s love.

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Churches encouraged to welcome refugees through growing national network

Ann-Marie Nye — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 08:42:01 +0000

Church members have learned how a growing national network is helping congregations welcome refugees and asylum seekers through practical support, friendship and belonging.

During a webinar held on Wednesday (10 June) and hosted by the United Reformed Church Public Issues Team, the Revd Samuel Luak, Church Engagement Manager for Welcome Churches, explained how the initiative began as a small grassroots response in Derby, where local volunteers recognised the needs of newly arrived refugees.

“What makes Welcome Churches unique is that it began as a local church ministry,” he said. “Ordinary people saw a need and asked, ‘What can we do?’ That spirit continues today.”

The network has since grown significantly and now includes more than 1,400 churches across the UK, working together to ensure that refugees and asylum seekers can find a friendly church community close to where they live.

Gabrielle Pagan, an Elder at Diss ��ֱ�� in Norfolk, described how a single coffee morning grew into a wider community initiative, connecting refugees with opportunities to use their gifts. Two participants, both trained opera singers, went on to perform concerts locally with the support of the church community.

Samuel also highlighted the complex challenges faced by those arriving in the UK seeking safety, including isolation, language barriers, trauma and housing difficulties.

“When people arrive, they often don’t know anyone,” Samuel said. “They may feel alone, struggle with language, and carry the trauma of what they have experienced. Churches can play a vital role in responding to that.”

Welcome Churches encourages congregations to respond in ways that suit their local context. Activities vary widely, from English language cafés and practical support to building friendships and offering hospitality.

“Welcoming people is about opening our hearts and our communities,” Samuel said. “Even offering welcome for one day is a powerful witness.”

While there are similarities with other initiatives such as the City of Sanctuary movement, Samuel explained that Welcome Churches focuses particularly on equipping and resourcing local congregations.

“Our role is to support churches to communicate welcome in practical ways,” Samuel said. “Every church decides what they can offer and we provide training, resources and encouragement.”

During breakout sessions, participants explored practical ways their churches could get involved, identifying opportunities, barriers and next steps for action.

“You don’t need to know everything,” added Samuel. “The first step is simply to be a welcoming space. You can learn as you go.”

Joining the Welcome Churches network is free, and churches are supported with training, resources and guidance as they begin or develop their work.

Looking ahead, the network hopes to expand further so that every refugee arriving in the UK can find a welcoming church within walking distance of where they live.

“This is something we can all be part of,” Samuel said. “Together, we can create communities where people feel they belong.”

To learn more about joining the network, visit .

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Welcoming the stranger in Thailand

Laurence Wareing — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 10:30:37 +0000

What does it mean for faith communities to respond to the crisis of forced displacement?

This was the key question addressed by a gathering of Council for World Mission representatives in Mae Sot, Thailand, in May. The visit was coordinated by the Revd Anji Barker (pictured below), Pioneer Cluster Leader for the ��ֱ��’s West Midlands Synod. Lodge Road ��ֱ�� and Seedbeds, both based in the synod, have partnered with local projects in Mae Sot, a border town in northern Thailand, to where hundreds of thousands of Burmese refugees have fled, and continue to flee to each day.

“Mae Sot is situated on the Myanmar border. It is a place where displacement is not theoretical but lived,” Anji said – “where migrant communities build fragile new lives, and local organisations work daily to provide education, skills, and hope.”

The CWM programme invited participants to reflect on their own experiences of refuge and displacement, and to ask: “Where do I find my refuge? When has that been threatened?” These were not abstract questions, Anji said: “They asked each of us to find the place where our own vulnerability meets the suffering of others – and from that place, to see with renewed compassion.”

She said that many of the delegates came with their own personal experience of the refugee journey, as well as experience of being in places where refugees are fleeing to, including Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana, where Venezuelan and Haitian refugees seek safety. “We explored the biblical narrative of the migrant God and the refugee Christ – a God who is perpetually on the move, who appears in the stranger, the hungry and the imprisoned. The words of Matthew 25 echoed through every session: ‘I was a stranger and you welcomed me.’ We asked ourselves what inviting in the stranger truly looks like, and what stops us – fear, prejudice, the sheer overwhelm of the scale of need.”

Delegates visited projects initiated and run by refugees, and which serve displaced communities: skills centres, community schools, social enterprises making T-shirts, food, and handicrafts, and grassroots organisations advocating for employment justice and labour rights. In this way, “we were encountering the faces and stories behind the statistics. Behind every migration statistic is a person carrying the weight of loss, trauma and suffering, and the stubborn spark of hope.”

Delegates reflected on how to turn their encounters into local and regional engagement, and longer-term advocacy for justice at national and international levels, committing to return to their local church contexts and respond both personally and organisationally to the needs of displaced people in their local areas.

“The question that stays with me,” Anji concluded, “is not whether the Church should be a place of refuge – Scripture leaves no room for doubt on that. The question is whether we will have the courage, the imagination, and the commitment to make it so.”

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Embrace difference, resist buzzwords, says WCRC

Laurence Wareing — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 15:11:32 +0000

Representatives at the annual General Council of the World Communion of Reformed Churches (WCRC) Europe, meeting in Transylvania, were told that “political buzzwords” are no substitute for the biblical language of forgiveness and salvation.

The Revd Dr Kevin Snyman, Head of World Justice and Inter Faith Relations for the United Reformed Church, was one of 25 representatives from across Europe who travelled to the city of Nagyvárad (Oradea), where they were hosted by the western district of the Hungarian Reformed Church in Transylvania. Together, they considered a question inspired by St Paul’s letter to the Hebrews: “What does it mean for European Christians to persevere in their witness?”

Bishop Szabolcs János Bogdán (pictured below), from the Reformed Church in Hungary, argued that steadfastness is not about institutional self-preservation or digging in for a culture war. Rather, it is the freedom of faith in Christ. He sounded “a gentle but urgent note of caution”, saying that churches can be tempted to swap biblical language of forgiveness and salvation for the latest secular or political buzzwords. It is a temptation to be resisted with good humour and theological clarity, he said.

Kevin noted that “the Reformed family comprises churches forged in very different contexts”, and as a result there was “real sparkle” in the small group discussions. “It became abundantly clear just how much historical and political context shapes our theological accents. Differences emerged not only between east and west, but also north and south.” He said that the question on everyone’s lips was: “Whose voices do we actually hear when we open the Bible and attempt to read the signs of the times? And how do voices from the global South participate in a distinctly European gathering?”

No-one pretended there were any quick fixes. “But participants managed to listen, acknowledge and appreciate one another’s perspectives without papering over genuine differences. That, all agreed, is the work of the Spirit as much as the agenda.”

The World Communion of Reformed Churches is a network of Protestant churches in 108 countries, with an estimated combined membership of 80 million people. Forty Churches from 29 countries are represented in the European Area.

Kevin Snyman is Vice-President of WCRC Europe.

Images by Kevin Snyman: Bishop Szabolcs János Bogdán; (montage) Kevin with Ulrich Weinhold and Kerstin Kich, Jenny Dobers, Oradea, small groups

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Henry Nowak: ��ֱ�� General Assembly Moderator issues statement

Ann-Marie Nye — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 11:20:39 +0000

Catriona Wheeler, Moderator of the General Assembly of the United Reformed Church, issues this statement following the murder of Henry Nowak and the ensuing unrest in UK communities:

On behalf of the United Reformed Church, I would like to offer our deep condolences to the family and loved ones of Henry Nowak. No words can undo the horror of Henry’s death. No family should have to bear such a loss. We hold their grief in our prayers and trust they may find some comfort in God’s promise of eternal life.

The tragedy of Henry’s murder has shaken communities across the UK. We recognise with anguish that Sikh communities have been targeted and traumatised in the wake of the murder conviction. We stand with profound sorrow and in solidarity with our Sikh friends, neighbours, and family members at this time, offering the assurance that we see you, we mourn with you, and you are not alone.

As Christians, we hear Christ’s command to love our neighbours as ourselves. That love is not a vague sentiment. It requires us to speak when others are silenced, to stand alongside those who are made to feel fearful, and to confront injustice whenever and wherever it appears.

The Sikh tradition teaches the equality of all humanity and stands in defence of the oppressed in the pursuit of justice. These are values we share. We assert that an attack on any person because of their faith is an attack on the image of God that is in all. In the face of the violence that seeks to fracture our shared life in the UK, we as the United Reformed Church commit ourselves to pray, to listen, and to act in the pursuit of unity.

We call upon all our local churches to reach out to Sikh communities in their areas offering not words alone, but practical support and public witness. Let our doors be open for shared lament, and our voices raised in solidarity with our Sikh neighbours.

May the God of all comfort – known to Christians as Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and honoured by Sikhs as Waheguru, the Wonderful Lord – draw near to all who mourn. May we be given courage in place of fear; and may the love that casts out hate prevail in every community across these islands.

Catriona Wheeler
Moderator of the General Assembly
The United Reformed Church

Image: John Cameron/Unsplash.

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Re-visioning children’s ministry in New Zealand

Laurence Wareing — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 13:37:44 +0000

Leaders in children’s ministry and education from all around the world gathered in Auckland, Aotearoa New Zealand, in May to reflect on their varied experiences and traditions of faith formation for children.

The United Reformed Church’s Sharon Lloyd, Programme Officer (Children’s, Youth and Intergenerational Work), and Helen Bell, Mission Practitioner (Children) for the ��ֱ��’s Eastern Synod were among the representatives in the ten-day programme organised by the Council for World Mission (CWM).

Guided by the Revd Dr Amelia Koh-Butler, CWM’s Mission Secretary for Education and Empowerment, the consultation examined how churches can renew Christian education for contemporary contexts while remaining rooted in faith traditions. There was discussion about inherited educational models, many of which were shaped by missionary approaches and systems developed in earlier eras and considered how these might be reimagined to better minister to children today.

With only one other participant from Europe, Sharon says that the experience of cultural diversity was an important takeaway from the event. There were leaders in children’s ministry and education from countries as far apart as Zambia and Hong Kong, India and Australia, Trinidad and Tahiti – and even from the world’s third smallest country, the tiny island of Nauru in the Pacific.

“I was very aware of how Sunday School teaching in some countries is still so influenced by white people who went there many years ago. We wanted to learn from each other, exploring how to cross the boundaries of countries and yet share traditions.”

She says the approach was to open up choice – “and to do this in a way that we were all asked to challenge ourselves. We can all stagnate in the way we do things.” Sharon adds that she was struck by the “broad range of storytelling, and how far storytelling can go amongst people of different cultures”.

Sharon says that meeting Māori people at a sacred dwelling (a Marae) in Ōhope, the Bay of Plenty, was especially formative. Learning about their rich indigenous traditions, including words of welcome that emphasised the importance of the land and of meeting in peace, made Sharon and Helen ask what was distinctive about their own British heritage.

It was in this context that Amelia Koh-Butler said, “it is necessary to examine and critique how our learning strategies embed colonial thinking and practice. To decolonise education, it is necessary to look at foundational learnings and strategies for formation.”

Many participants were encouraged by the commitment of teachers and facilitators who adapted lessons and learning methods to meet the needs of individual children. They noted that effective ministry with children depends not only on resources and programmes but also on strong relationships, consistent accompaniment, and a willingness to learn alongside young people.

Sharon and Helen say they came away with a renewed sense that children’s ministry isn’t just about educational techniques. “It is necessary to connect with children in order to encourage life-long relationships with God.” Intergenerational ministry was affirmed by all the participants, and together they expressed a shared desire to develop educational approaches that nurture faith, encourage participation, and equip children to flourish in a rapidly changing world.

Images: Main – the Revd Tamiana Thrupp, Moderator of te aka puahou Māori Synod of the Presbyterian Church of Aotearoa New Zealand, and Honey Thrupp (centre), with Helen Bell and Sharon Lloyd; in article – participants outside a Presbyterian Church school, and in a group session.

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Open Table Warrington celebrates community with relaunch

Ann-Marie Nye — Thu, 04 Jun 2026 14:08:11 +0000

Members and friends of St John’s United Reformed Church in Warrington have celebrated a new chapter of welcome, worship and belonging.

In May, the community relaunched Open Table Warrington (OTW) — part of the Open Table Network (OTN), a charity that welcomes and affirms people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+).

Open Table Warrington, the second community in the OTN and the first outside Liverpool, celebrated the start of its next chapter with a Communion service and a reflection on the Open Table story and the parable of the mustard seed.

“As we look to the future, we’re excited to see what God will grow among us — love, friendships, courage, healing, joy,” said the Revd Jenny Travis, Minister of St John’s, and the Revd Linda Bishop, a Methodist minister, OTW’s new co-leaders.

“We’re here to keep the table open, the kettle on, and the welcome wide.”

Earlier this year the community gathered to reflect on its life and future following a change in leadership. OTN Director Kieran Bohan and Jenny guided the conversation and helped the community discern, and with unanimous support the next steps together were decided.

A parent who attended the celebration was especially grateful.

“Thank you for providing my daughter with a place where she feels welcome, loved, and safe. She doesn’t need to pretend; she can come as she is,” they said.

Rachel Mitchell, a member of the community said: “When I come to Open Table I find it humbling to worship alongside, and share communion with, people of such strength, many of whom have been rejected by other churches simply for being the people God created them to be.

“They haven’t lost faith in God or rejected Christianity but have found a safe place to be fully themselves. As we move forward into a new phase of Open Table in Warrington with new leaders and new ideas, I am grateful for those who have led before and built such a loving community of believers. I look forward to the future with excitement.”

The Warrington community has played a significant part in the wider Open Table story. In 2016, the church hosted an ‘Appreciating Open Table’ day, bringing together 24 people from the first four communities in Liverpool, Warrington, Manchester and North Wales to reflect on Open Table’s shared vision, mission and values, which are still the guiding principles of OTN today.

Jenny added: “As this next chapter unfolds, the hope is simple and bold: that the good news of God’s inclusive love will ripple ever further across Warrington. We also hope that this Open Table community continues to grow — not just in numbers, but in courage, compassion, and the deep, shared knowledge that we belong to one another.”

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