13th November 2025

Lancashire 'All Nations Convention' - Christians from many cultures gather together in joyful praise

Christians from across Lancashire and beyond came together in Burnley for The Church of England in Lancashire’s ‘All Nations Convention 2025’ which was a joyful and prayerful celebration of unity in our diversity.

Hosted at St Luke the Evangelist Church in Burnley a few days ago, the event brought together worshippers from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds, languages and traditions.

• Coverage of the event including pictures and videos features across the Diocesan social media channels and is available on Facebook/BlackburnDiocese and on Instagram @blackburndiocese as well as @cofelancs and @bpblackburn on Twitter/X

The convention took the form of a special service and was a chance to worship, learn, and grow together in faith, with a programme designed to reflect the rich cultural tapestry of the church today.

Hymns were sung in multiple languages; there were readings from Luke 9:21–26 spoken in different tongues and a particularly moving moment where everyone joined in the Lord’s Prayer, each in their own native language.

Music during the convention featured songs from Preston Nigerian Choir, whose vibrant energy lifted the congregation in praise.

Speakers included Rev. Munawar Din, Vicar of St Cuthbert’s Burnley and St Luke’s Brierfield, and Teeman Zaki, the local Intercultural Ministry Enabler, both of whom shared reflections on intercultural ministry and the importance of working across communities.

The sermon was delivered by Rt Rev. Dr Joe Kennedy, Bishop of Burnley, who spoke on the theme “How can we follow Jesus daily?”

Bishop Joe commented: “The All Nations Convention was a beautiful expression of the Church as it truly is - diverse, joyful, and united in Christ.

"It was deeply moving to worship alongside sisters and brothers from so many backgrounds, hearing Scripture read in different languages and to be able to join together in the Lord’s Prayer, each in our own tongue and with one heart.

"A huge thank you to everyone who took part, especially the organisers and all those who travelled from across the Diocese to take part. This gathering reminded me again that when we come together in faith and friendship, we glimpse something of God’s kingdom.”

Rev. Munawar Din added: “The All-Nations Convention was an opportunity for all our brothers and sisters from culturally diverse backgrounds in our Diocese and beyond to come together and worship the Lord. It was also a chance for people to know more about why and how to follow Jesus in our daily lives."

And Teeman Zaki, Intercultural Ministry Enabler, added: "The All-Nations Convention exists to celebrate diversity in Christ honouring and bringing together the rich colours of cultures, languages and traditions within the Body of Christ to worship, learn, and grow as one family in Christian faith.

“This is especially gratifying for me as an intercultural minister who is called to build bridges and connect people from diverse backgrounds, so they feel welcomed, valued, and empowered; helping all believers grow spiritually together, embracing their unique identities while journeying as one in Christ". 

The All Nations Convention concluded with a blessing and recessional hymn, sending participants out with renewed hope and a deeper sense of connection across cultures and traditions.

The convention was part of the Diocese of Blackburn’s ongoing commitment to intercultural ministry, celebrating the gifts and voices of all people and encouraging churches to reflect the diversity of their communities.

Captions for the above pictures, top to bottom:
Pictures taken by Sara Cuff for Blackburn Diocese

• Intercultural Steering Committee: L-r Rev Munawar Din, Lubna Din, Bishop Joe Kennedy, (rear) Peter Jackson, Richard Priestley, Daphane Jordan and Teeman Zaki
• Sound of Gladness from St Stephen's, Preston
• All Nations Choir
• All Nations Choir

Ronnie Semley, November 2025