Whitby church leaders gather to strengthen support for local communities
Church leaders from Whitby and the Archdeaconry of Cleveland have joined the Archbishop of York and American Bishop Michael Curry at a major conference exploring how churches can help local communities flourish.
The Bishop of Whitby, the Rt Rev Barry Hill, joined almost 500 clergy and lay leaders serving communities across North Yorkshire, York, and the East Riding at the University of York for three days, for the Diocese of York’s Called and Sent conference.
Hosted by the Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, the three-day event focused on how local churches can respond to changing community needs, strengthen their work with people of different ages and backgrounds, and make the best use of their people, buildings, partnerships, and finances.
Bishop Michael Curry, known around the world for his sermon at the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018, joined delegates live from the United States.
Ill health prevented him from travelling to York, but he delivered his keynote address and joined conversations about leadership, community, faith, and the power of love to bring about change.
The conference brought together clergy, church leaders, youth and community workers, and representatives from deaneries across an area stretching over 2,000 square miles, from the Humber to the Tees and from the Yorkshire coast towards the A1.
Sessions explored practical issues affecting churches and their wider communities, including supporting children and young people, strengthening work in rural and low-income areas, encouraging volunteering, working with schools, making community buildings more useful and sustainable, and creating welcoming communities for people from different cultures and backgrounds.
Delegates also considered how churches can collaborate more effectively, respond to financial pressures, and ensure their resources are focused on work that makes a positive difference locally.
Stephen Cottrell, Archbishop of York, said: “Bringing together more than 500 clergy and lay leaders from across the Diocese of York has been a wonderful opportunity to share ideas, learn from one another and celebrate the many ways churches are already serving local communities.
“As we return home, we do so better equipped to build on that work, supporting those in need, strengthening local communities and sharing the hope and love of Christ through practical action.”
Church leaders will take the learning back into parishes across the region, helping them strengthen the support they offer, respond more confidently to local needs, and play their part in building communities where people can flourish.