The Place of the Diaconate in the Life of the Diocese: national conference in April

I’m delighted to welcome you to our next national conference!  The theme is ‘The Place of the Diaconate in the Diocese‘, and our speaker is the Rt Rev James Newcome, bishop of Carlisle and patron of the CofE Network of Distinctive Deacons.

Despite the fact that the diaconate is the most ancient of ministries, and has always been regarded as part of the threefold ordained ministry, the Church of England for a long time has lacked a clear idea as to its place in the vocations and ministries of the church. But this is now changing rapidly. Much more is being done at a national level to affirm and develop the place of the diaconate alongside priesthood.  However, there is still uncertainty as to its place in the life of a diocese.

Bishop James has a long-standing enthusiasm for the distinctive diaconate, which he regards as “precious”.  He is not only our patron, but also the Archbishop of Canterbury’s Bishop Champion for distinctive deacons in the House of Bishops. He has always seen the diaconate as playing a significant role in the church, and so we can’t think of anyone better to address this topic.

When: 30 April

Time: 9.30 – 13.00

Where: on Zoom

+James will share his vision for the Diaconate and its potential role in the mixed economy of a diocese, drawing on experience in his own diocese of Carlisle.

The morning will include opportunities for discussion in small groups, to address questions to a Panel which will include +Chris Goldsmith, Director of the National Ministry Development Team,  and to hear about some of the recent developments at a national level regarding, for example, diaconal training.

There will be no charge for this online conference but delegates are asked to register and book their tickets through Eventbrite as soon as possible. Programme timings and the zoom joining link will be sent to delegates by email in the week prior to the conference.

For further details, and to register to this FREE event, please go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-place-of-the-diaconate-in-the-diocese-with-bishop-james-newcome-tickets-268107977177?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch