## **Annual Report** 2021 ## _**Making connections in Christian partnership**_ ## **Introduction** Churches Together in Devon helps churches in their united mission and service among the people who live and work in Devon (including Plymouth and Torbay). It is the intermediate ecumenical body linking the national structures of Churches Together in England (CTE) with the local expressions of Christian Unity throughout Devon. Churches Together in Devon is the sponsoring body of 16 Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs) including 2 Local Covenants, and supports nearly 30 local ecumenical groups. Churches Together in Devon seeks to encourage all areas of ecumenical work, especially as they relate to: - Sharing knowledge, deepening communion and creating understanding between different Christian traditions. - Developing and supporting new initiatives in all forms of mission. - Encouraging partnership working between denominations. The main point of contact is the County Ecumenical Officer - Revd. Paul Snell (ceo@ctdevon.org.uk) - or see the website: www.ctdevon.org.uk ## **Governance** The charity is directed by the Enabling Group and the County Ecumenical Officer is the part time member of staff who leads the work on a day to day basis. The Enabling Group is made up of the local leaders of six denominations, along with their related Denominational Ecumenical Officers (DEOs), a representative of new/independent churches, and two volunteer members. In 2021 these were: ## _**Church Leaders (Presidents of Churches Together in Devon)**_ - The Divisional Commanders of the Devon & Cornwall Division of the Salvation Army: Major Stephen White and Major Amanda White - The Chair of the Plymouth & Exeter District of the Methodist Church: Revd. Canon Graham Thompson - The Anglican Bishop of Exeter: Rt. Revd. Robert Atwell (represented by Rt. Revd. Jackie Searle, Bishop of Crediton) - The Roman Catholic Bishop of Plymouth: Rt. Revd. Mark O’Toole (represented by Revd. Petroc Cobb - The Moderator of the South Western Synod of the United Reformed Church: Revd. Ruth Whitehead (CTD Chair for 2021) - A Regional Minister of the South West Baptist Association: Revd. Carl Smethurst _Registered Charity number 1126079_ ## _**Denominational Ecumenical Officers**_ - The Baptist DEO position was vacant in 2021 - The Ven. Verena Breed - Church of England - Revd. Ben Haslam - Methodist - Mrs. Mary Ann James - Roman Catholic - The Salvation Army DEO position was vacant in 2021 - The United Reformed Church DEO position was vacant in 2021 ## _**Others**_ - Revd. Dick Gray – Hon. Treasurer - Mr. Bruce Govett - Co-opted - Mrs Hannah Richards – Co-opted and representing new/independent churches ## **Main Activities in 2021:** Churches Together in Devon enabled leaders from different Churches to share their vision and approach to sustaining faith and mission in both rural and urban parts of the county, and to learn from the experience of diverse traditions. In particular, the missional aspects of each denomination have been explored with the officers appointed for this purpose. The support of a visible Christian presence in areas of new housing in Devon was continued, both in existing areas and proposed new areas, as was the growth of chaplaincy in a range of public contexts. Local joint working by churches in cities, towns and villages was supported through providing advice and information to local Churches Together groups. There was involvement in raising awareness of current social concerns, and particular support was given to churches working through issues surround the Covid 19 pandemic. This was often related to supporting and signposting to on-line worship and meetings but also included support through our Facebook Group. Revd. Paul Snell continued his work as County Ecumenical Officer. A monthly newsletter was distributed via email and the Churches Together in Devon _Facebook_ page continued to be active. The website was further developed and maintained. All these resources provide a ready information point for ecumenical church activities throughout Devon, promoting networking and enabling churches to work together on social issues, as well as encouraging faith. Visits were made and advice given to a number of local Churches Together groups and Local Ecumenical Partnerships throughout the county of Devon. There was also involvement in conferences and consultations facilitated by Churches Together in England as well as the Churches Together in England national Enabling Group. In its role as sponsoring body for Local Ecumenical Partnerships in the County, Churches Together in Devon undertakes periodic reviews of local churches in which two or more denominations are joined. In 2021 no reviews were completed. These activities achieved public benefit through the charitable objective of promoting the Christian religion; encouraging effective partnerships between different churches for public benefit in particular localities; and signposting ways in which Christians can to respond to contemporary issues. _Registered Charity number 1126079_ ## **Financial Summary** Income in 2021 was £27,230 from church subscriptions, and CTD groups. (2020 £14,031) Expenditure in 2021 was £15,101 on staff, governance and administrative costs. (2019 £15,004) Balance held £16,309 (2019 £4,180), of which £ 461 is in restricted or designated funds. Liabilities are £0. Churches Together in Devon does not undertake any public fundraising. It has one part time member of staff and does not own or occupy any premises. Other activities were undertaken on a volunteer basis, mainly by members of the Enabling Group. _Paul Snell – County Ecumenical Officer for Churches Together in Devon - May 2022_ _Approved 5[th] May 2022_ _Registered Charity number 1126079_ Churches Together in Devon- CHURCHES R•gistgrod C￿rity Number 11260T9 Ta5ETHER inl )[ vc >r. Receipts & Payments Accounts for year Ending 31st December 2021 2020 Note 2021 Income Member Churches CTD Groups Interest Housing meeting ￿fUnd Preaching Fees 13.225 300 26.800 430 500 14.031 Expenditure 12,S05 787 377 186 CEO Salary CEO Expenses CEO Pension Payroll Beaurau Fees CEO Review Expsllnterview Exps Insurance Accounts Examiner Meetings TreasureryJ Exps CTE Annual Foes CTD Member Exps Housing meeting Total Expfrn• 12.505 992 376 177 298 316 370 15 350 350 500 1 5,004 15,101 4,768 Baptlst Mlnlstern P•n•lon Fund Surplu8lD¢ficlt 12,129 9.920 5.741 Brought Forward Deficivsurplus 12.129 Carried Forvmrd 16.309 R•pr•••nt•d By HSBC Communty Axount HSBC Business Manapr A(xount 3,854 326 4,180 15.983 326 16,309 Balances General Restricted Project Offi(xr Designatad Chiklrens Work 3,719 15,847 461 16,309 4,180 Tho 0(JxKmtS*d Blaknvmts ofa88alBand Wll*s set PWJ8511 & 21 K*the bwer¥Ji¥ 3151 Decembw2021 area8 8pprcwJ ty the Tr*es &'qned Richard Gray 2PJOir2022 Churches Together in Devon Ill/ Registered Charity NuM￿r 1126079 CHURCHES Ta5ETHER in L)ÉVr. Receipts & Payments Accounts for year Ending 31st December 2021 2020 Note 2021 Income Member Churches CTD Groups Interest Housing meeting ￿fUnd Preaching Fees 13.225 300 26.800 430 500 14.031 Expenditure 12,S05 787 377 186 CEO Salary CEO Expenses CEO Pension Payroll Beaurau Fees CEO Review Expsllnterview Exps Insurance Accounts Examiner Meetings TreasureryJ Exps CTE Annual Foes CTD Member Exps Housing meeting Total Expfrn• 12.505 992 376 177 298 316 370 15 350 350 500 1 5,004 15,101 4,768 Baptlst Mlnlstern P•n•lon Fund Surplu8lD¢ficlt 12,129 9.920 5.741 Brought Forward Deficivsurplus 12.129 Carried Forvmrd 16.309 R•pr•••nt•d By HSBC Communty Axount HSBC Business Manapr A(xount 3,854 326 4,180 15.983 326 16,309 Balances General Restricted Project Offi(xr Designatad Chiklrens Work 3,719 15,847 461 16,309 4,180 Tho 0(JxKmtS*d Blaknvmts ofa88alBand Wll*s set PWJ8511 & 21 K*the bwer¥Ji¥ 3151 Decembw2021 area8 8pprcwJ ty the Tr*es &'qned Richard Gray 2PJOir2022 Churches Together in Devon Ill/ Registered Charity NuM￿r 1126079 CHURCHES Ta5ETHER in L)ÉV