Planning underway in earnest for the 2022 Diocesan Conference

Introduction to the Diocesan Conference 2022

Message about the conference from Bishop Philip

Downloadable conference booking forms

Introduction to the Diocesan Conference 2022

The Rt Rev. Philip North, Bishop of Burnley, recently wrote to the whole Diocese to begin the build up to our 'in person' Diocesan Conference taking place this November.

What follows is the text of that letter and it will also feature in future editions of our Parish Update ebulletin.

There is also a special page under 'News and Events' on the Diocesan website homepage where you can find out the latest news and information.

Currently the page largely replicates this one but as more details become clear it will be your 'first stop' for the latest conference news.

Make sure you download the booking forms ... see links below ... and fill them in as soon as possible; and bookmark the above link to the conference news 'landing page' for the latest updates.

Bishop Philip's letter follows ...

Message about the conference from Bishop Philip

It IS going to happen! You WILL be safe! It WILL be worthwhile!

What am I talking about?

The Diocesan Conference 2022!

So this is a plea for people who have not yet done so to place a booking.

The whole four days of our time at the Hayes Conference Centre, pictured inside and out, to give you a flavour of the place, on this page, from November 7–10 will be a total absorption in John’s Gospel.

For those unfamiliar with the conference, there will be a basic introduction. We will have a range of outstanding speakers, some who will inspire, some who will challenge, some who will help us rejoice in God’s Word all the more.

There will be times of worship when we are all together and some where people can explore different traditions. There will be three ways each morning of studying the scriptures. We will delight in excellent music, art and a range of entertainments.

Workshops will explore John from every angle imaginable. Wine almost as good as Cana will be tasted. Whisky will play a brief but memorable role (though we are struggling for a Johannine connection on that one).

John gives as the purpose of his Gospel, ‘That you may have faith,’ which is the title of our conference. So our time in Swanwick will not be about dusty, dry words and worthy speeches. It will be a time when we can seek deeper faith in the Word made Flesh and delight anew in the mystery of salvation.

During the Covid pandemic, our clergy and lay leaders have been heroic in their work and ministry and there is plenty of evidence that demonstrates this to be true.

So this conference will be a wonderful time to get together, celebrate, build friendships and express a shared commitment to the ministry of the Church in Lancashire. We need you there!

So don’t delay, please book now! Just download and complete the forms below and send to conference@blackburn.anglican.org.