We are a family of congregations of Christians under the oversight of a bishop.
We believe it is our responsibility, under God, to bring the Gospel to the area shown in our logo, namely the northern counties of England and the Isle of Man. In the past we have had congregations in Scotland as well.
Each congregation is responsible under God for its own life and witness, but twice a year all the licensed clergy, together with lay representatives from each parish, meet as the Diocesan Synod (which is a registered charity – No. 1141769) and, under the leadership of the Bishop, oversee the corporate life and vision of the Diocese.
The Diocesan Clergy also meet twice a year in a residential conference to share news, support each other and to be further equipped for their ministry. The conferences are often led by outside speakers.
A unique feature of Diocesan life is the annual Ladies Rally which brings together the women of the Diocese for an act of worship and for mutual fellowship. One of the clergy acts a chaplain to the fellowship.
In a situation where the individual congregations are geographically separated from each other, the fact of belonging to a Diocese brings a sense of being part of a family where friendships and support can be found. A Diocesan Prayer Cycle encourages members to pray for each other regularly. There is a Prayer Link Co-ordinator who passes on information about urgent prayer needs. Sharing opportunities and challenges is a regular feature of each Synod.
Within the wider Free Church of England, then, we offer a more local focus for Gospel strategy, fellowship and support.
We invite you to join us.
We believe it is our responsibility, under God, to bring the Gospel to the area shown in our logo, namely the northern counties of England and the Isle of Man. In the past we have had congregations in Scotland as well.
Each congregation is responsible under God for its own life and witness, but twice a year all the licensed clergy, together with lay representatives from each parish, meet as the Diocesan Synod (which is a registered charity – No. 1141769) and, under the leadership of the Bishop, oversee the corporate life and vision of the Diocese.
The Diocesan Clergy also meet twice a year in a residential conference to share news, support each other and to be further equipped for their ministry. The conferences are often led by outside speakers.
A unique feature of Diocesan life is the annual Ladies Rally which brings together the women of the Diocese for an act of worship and for mutual fellowship. One of the clergy acts a chaplain to the fellowship.
In a situation where the individual congregations are geographically separated from each other, the fact of belonging to a Diocese brings a sense of being part of a family where friendships and support can be found. A Diocesan Prayer Cycle encourages members to pray for each other regularly. There is a Prayer Link Co-ordinator who passes on information about urgent prayer needs. Sharing opportunities and challenges is a regular feature of each Synod.
Within the wider Free Church of England, then, we offer a more local focus for Gospel strategy, fellowship and support.
We invite you to join us.