Northern - Faith in the North Report. Upcoming events: 23rd June and 17th November

Faith in the North Report

On Wednesday 25th February a merry band of leaders from Major churches across the North joined Archbishop Stephen at Bishopsthorpe in York for the day to learn more about Faith in the North and share our experiences of being Major churches.  

It was wonderful to see friends and colleagues from around the network but also to meet with colleagues from Major Churches who are not yet part of the network. Hilary Barber, chair of the MCN shared some of our vision and purpose and I was introduced as the new convenor of the Northern group.   

We heard from the Faith in the North team about the Pilgrim places resources and support which is available to all churches, and more about their vision to celebrate faith across the Northern Province.  

Archbishop Stephen spoke to us all about the value of Major churches in the broader ecosystem of the Church of England.  It was encouraging to feel that our specific charism was understood and valued as part of the collective service of the gospel in the country.  We were able to worship together, receiving communion in the beautiful 12th century chapel and enjoyed a delicious lunch.  

Upcoming events

Following on from a wonderful gathering at Bishopsthorpe in February, we are looking forward to our next Northern meeting in June. Having recently reviewed our gatherings and asked current members what might be helpful changes to make, we are hope to build on good foundations to ensure that the network is a place of support, learning and encouragement for all who Minister in our diverse region of Major Churches.  

Dates  

Clergy only meeting June 23rd  

Operations/senior lay leaders only meeting  tbc

All together meeting November 17th 

The timetable for our meetings: 

11-12 time to catch up over coffee.  

One of the main benefits of the Major Churches Network is the friendships with colleagues who are called to a similar ministry. Ours is a unique role and can feel lonely sometimes. The support and understanding of colleagues in this network is a real benefit.  

12 The Eucharist.  

12.30-1.15 lunch and conversation (please bring your own lunch, tea and coffee graciously provided by Leeds Minster) 

1.30-3.30  

An invited speaker will join us to facilitate our engagement with some content together to challenge, encourage and support us as we reflect on our contexts and Ministry.  

Please do get in touch if you’d like to chat more about the Northern group, and if you’ve not been before do come along and see what we are about!  

Previous Meetings

Thank you to Leeds Minster for hosting the last MCN Northern regional meeting in November, It was a lovely day of networking and conversation.

Thursday 18th November 2025, Leeds Minster, LS2 7DJ, 11.00 am – 2.30 pm

Dear Colleagues,

I write to invite you and your colleagues to attend the next meeting of the Northern Group of the Major Churches Network, to be held at Leeds Minster on Thursday 18th November 2025, from 11.00 am to 2.30 pm.

Our time together will be led by Canon Paul Maybury, as I shall be in London meeting with Historic England and the Church Buildings Council on behalf of the Major Churches.

These gatherings are a valuable opportunity not only for clergy but also for lay leaders to meet and share experiences, so please feel free to bring a lay colleague — perhaps your churchwarden, operations manager, or administrator — who would benefit from joining the conversation.

During our meeting, there will be an important discussion about the future shape of our regional network — whether to remain as one Northern Group or to create a new North West Group, potentially hosted by Rachel Shuttleworth at St Helen’s. We will also be seeking your feedback from the recent Conference, as we begin planning for next year’s programme.

Please bring your own sandwiches for lunch; drinks will be provided.

We look forward to another encouraging and engaging gathering in the magnificent surroundings of Leeds Minster.

With every good wish,

The Revd Canon Hilary Barber

Vicar of Halifax Minster   

Convener, Northern Group, Major Churches Network