The Church of England in Lancashire (Blackburn Diocese) is playing host today to the first 'in-person' gathering of Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) Secretaries and Chairs since the pandemic. 

Delegates have congregated from across the 'northern province' of The Church of England at for a conference at our County's Diocesan offices, located in Blackburn just off the M65. 

Dioceses represented include Chester, Carlisle, Sheffield, York, Leeds, Durham and Liverpool. Their hosts for the day are the DAC Chair for Blackburn Diocese, Rev. Canon Andrew Holliday, who is also the Rector of Standish, St Wilfrid and Jen Read, who DAC Secretary for our diocese. 

The DAC in each diocese is an advisory body. It gives advice to churches about proposals for works to their church buildings, including furnishings and fittings; plus advice on heating, lighting, AV equipment and conservation of historic objects.

DACs’ activities also include giving advice on work in churchyards, including above and below ground archaeology and trees. The DAC gives its advice in the context of the church being a centre or worship and mission.

• More information about DACs here. 

Delegates at their Lancashire conference today are covering a lot of ground over the course of the day - with topics as varied as sustainability of buildings and bats in churches! 

Speaking today, Rev. Andrew Holliday said: "It is an enormous privilege to be able to host this first gathering of northern province colleagues for several years. 

"We are delighted to be able to meet together and prayerfully consider the importance of our buildings and supporting our parishes; all in the context of using our buildings for mission and ministry on behalf of our local communities everywhere in the north of England."

Ronnie Semley, May 2022