Churches Together In Lancashire
Financial Accounts
For The Year Ended
31st December 2024
Towers + Gornall Ltd
Chartered Certified Accountants
Garstang, Preston

Independent examinerfs report on tho accounts of
Churches Together in Lancashire
Report on th• accounts for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Respectlve rasponslbilitlos of trustees and examin6r:
The charitys trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the
Charities Act 2011 ("the Acl.).
The chariws trustees consider thal an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Act
and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act.
to follow the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission {under section 145(5)(b)
of the Act, and
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Ba8is of Independent examlnerfs statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with general Directions given by Ihe Charity
Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a
comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any
unusual items or disdosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from trustees concerning any
such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an
audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view
and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent •xamlnorfs statement
In connection with my examination, no material matters have come to my attention which gives me
cause to believe that in, any material respect..
the accounting records were not kept in accordan￿ with section 130 of the Charities Act. or
the accounts did not accord with the accounting records. or
The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fomi and
content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other
than any requirement that the accounts give a Irue and fairf view which is not a matter
considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to
which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper underslanding of the
accounts to be reached.
Sign•d..............
. Dat•.....................
Mlck Gornall
Towers & Gornall
River View
96 Hi8h Street
Garstang
PR3 IWZ

Statemenl of Accountsforlhe perlod ended 31st De¢ember2024
Churches ToEelher In Lancashlre
2024
2023
General Denominatlonal Contrlbutlons
Other Income
Grants received
45,642
13.969
1,750
Total Income
47,392
20249
Ecumenclal Development Offlcer.
Salary and Penslon
Travel and home telephone
Consultstions, courses and resources
39.069
2,554
27.688
5.952
41,623
33,640
HMRC Payments- PAYE. Tax.& NICS
8.655
4.317
Forums. conferences & local review expenses
8.560
Office Costs:
Equipment
Insurance
850
292
394
292
1.142
380
686
1,198
300
1.392
50,093
Affliations
Grants (accounts i payrou)
Other Expenses
Total Expenses
683
57,832
Income Less Expenditure
Cleared Liabilities from previous year
10,440
36.124
Proflt fortheyear
10.440
Assets
HSBC Current Account
HSBC Deposit Account
25,128
35,568
25.128
35.568
CAF Cash Account
CAF Gold Account
Churches Together In Scorton
25.129
Llabllttle$
General contributions received in advance
NetAssels
Represenled by:
Last years generalfunds
Ba￿nce of Income and Expenditure for the year
Current Liabillties
35.569
10.440
71.693
36,124
25.129
35,569

CHURCHES
TOGETHER
IN LANCASHIRE
Churches Together in Lancashire
Annual General Meeting
for the year ending 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 2fh February 2025
Reports
Chairman's Report
Page 2
County Ecumenical Officer
Page 5
DEO Report (Diocese of Blackbum)
Page 10
Enabling Group for Church and Environment
Page11
Enabling Group of Social Justice & Responsibility/Health
Page 15
Financial Summary for the year ending 31st December 2024
Page 17
Chair, Presidents and Ecumenical Officers
Page 18
Prayer of commitment and unity
Page 20
'￿0p£ue£vT8[ ouv yaenT8uuaTE ￿QvTa Ta Éevn FcThrTI(OVTE[ auTOU£ Ei£ TO
ovoya TOU ThaTPO£ Kai TOU UIOU Kai TOU ayiou TrvEuyaTO£"
MaT8aio£ 28v19
Charity Number 1160021

Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 2Ph February 2025
CHURCHES
TOGETHER
Chalrman's Report 2023 (On behalf of the Trustees)
The Revd Dr Peter Colwell
111 L A 11 C A511 1 H E
l am delighted to have been invited to take on the role of Chair of Churches Together
in Lancashire. l am bom and raised in Lancashire and live in Cleveleys. l am an
ordained minister in the United Refomed Church and serve as the Deputy General
Secretary of CTBI, Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.
As with previous 'Chairs" my tem of office began with Lancashire Carers Sing
Christmas which was an excellent opportunity to be introduced on air to the County
as your new Chair. It is a fantastic event reaching over 10,000 people and
highlighting the very special work done by individuals and organisations who provide
care for the most vulnerable in our community. (We heard from Adam Brogden of
the St John Ambulance who came with Joan Wright. a volunteer for 64 years. and
was a nurse for fifty years. The programme also introduced Zoé Abemethy, the
Northwest Church Engagement Officer for Christian Aid. There was a moving
interview with Cameron Murray from Derian House. There were live-links out to the
DaThven Asylum Refugee Enterprise where Christmas Hampers were being
distributed and to the Heskin Community centre where Loma Bowling shared the
work of a group that support those living with Parkinsons Disease.)
The Churches were represented by the Northwest Divisional Commander of the
Salvation Army, Major David Taylor. David retires this year and so our prayers are
with David and Kathy as they look to the future. The annual message and prayer
were delivered by the Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Reverend Malcom
Mcmahon focussing on the work of those who care for others and prayed for lasting
pea￿ in those pla￿S of conflict in the world.
The Carols were led brillianlly by our friends from the Blackburn Salvation Amiy
Band under baton of Eric Millest and the Blackbum Community Choir under that
baton of Jeff Borradaile.
Churches Together in Lancashire was invited to the Christian Police Association
Carol Service by its chair PC Paul Pountsin. This was attended by the Chief
Constable, Sacha Hatchett Stasia Osiowy {O-sho-vy} the Divisional Commander for
the South Division, which covers Preston, South Ribble, Chorley, Ormskirk and
Skelmersdale.
Building relationships with Civic Leaders, Local Authorities, Police and Community
Services. the NHS, continues to be a priority for Churches Together in Lancashire.
Out of the relationship with the Lancashire Constabulary came the invitation to
+Philip, the Bishop of Blackburn, to preach at the national conference of the
Christian Police Association which took place at Salmesbury Hall.
Throughout the year the Church Leaders for Lancashire have met either in person or
by Zoom. These meetings have been well attended and represent the most
important aspect of Churches Together in Lancashire which is the bringing together
of all Christians for prayer and fellowship in the name of Jesus Christ.

Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
Each denomination has an appointed ecumenical officer which gathers monthly in
person or online under the direction of The Revd Anton Muller, County Ecumenical
Officer for Lancashire. The role of the DEO is to encourage and support ecumenical
activity in all of denominations churches. To do this the DEOS continue to build
ecumenical points of contacts in each Deanery, Circuit and Mission Area.
Most churches and groups do come together for the Week of Prayer, a Walk of
Witness, Pentecost Praise. There are also many activities taking pla￿ with monthly
prayer meetings. ecumenical ser¥ices on the 5th Sundays of the month alongside
the weekly provision of care in the community which demonstrate the good examples
of churches working together in mission and ministry.
In addition to the work with local groups, Churches Together in Lancashire continues
to grow its Nelwork Partners and working groups. referred to as "enabling groups".
In May of this year Churches Together in Lancashire worked with Network Partner
Karen Livesey, the Director of No Whispers CIC. This organisation delivers
awareness training in identifying and responding effectively to Child Sexual
Exploitation {CSE), Child Sexual Abuse (CSA) and Child Criminal Exploitation
(CCE}. The event held at Whalley Abbey brought together safeguarding leads from
across the denominations which revealed the differences in practice that can create
gaps in the provision of safeguarding for all.
Many of our network partners and enabling groups joined us again in the Church
Tent at the Royal Lancashire over the third weekend of July. The Church Tent
signposted a range of church-based reSoUr￿S for supporting farming and rural
communities. The lead partner for 2024 was Lancashire Mind to raise awareness of
faming and mental health. (The other partners included PLASP, the Pan
Lancashire Anti-slavery Partnership. Christian Police Association Preston Street
Pastors, NHS Community Roots, Faming Community Network, Anna Chaplaincy.
Field Nurses, No Whispers. the Agricultural Chaplaincy Association and the
Lancashire Churches Rural Focus Group. We also gave space to the MND
Association.)
The Church Tent Servi￿ was led by an all-female ministry team across the
denominations. This year the music was led by the Balderstone Brass Band.
We are very gratefvl to the Duchy of Lancaster Benevolent Fund and the Lancashire
Foundation. The grants received covered the cost of the Marquee, the electrical
supply and the provision of free hot and cold drinks by Preston Fair Trade.
The Church Tent was visited by The Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Amanda Parker. the
Mayors of Blackbum and Bumley, The Bishops of Blackbum and Bumley along with
a steady stream of visitors grateful for a free cuppa and somewhere to sit down.
This year the Church Tent Community will gather again joined by cIt￿enS UK which
will focus on Rural Poverty and the Living Wage Campaign. We are again seeking
grants the cover the £2,500 costs of this important Christian presentation at the
Royal Lancashire Show.

Annual General Meetlng for the year ending 31$t December 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
2024 was milestone in the life of the Methodist Districts across the Northwest.
Churches Together in Lancashire was represented at the launch of the Northwest
England Methodist District held at the Victoria Hall in Bolton. The Revd Dr James
Tebbutt was commissioned as the overall chair of the new District.
Seeking to transform unjust structures of society, to challenge violence of every kind
and to pursue peace and reconciliation is one of the Five Marks of Mission which
unde￿In the work of Churches Together in Lancashire. This is one of the areas
where all churches can join as one to be a powerful voice to challenge injustice and
pursue peace in the world and in our own communities where social cohesion and
service is so important.
We were dismayed when funding for the Interfailh Network was withdrawn by the
previous Govemment. The Church Leaders for Lancashire came together to write
in support of the work of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland that has
campaigned. successfully. for the recreation of some kind of programme to generate
inter faith relations.
Churches Together in Lancashire is also working to raise awareness of the situation
in Palestine and Gaza. This has a long and complex history, and churches have
different even opposing opinions. It is why l am delighted to be in conversation with
Dr Marwan Darweish shortly.
Most recently Churches Together in Lancashire has begun to work with Church
Action on Povety and the °Your Local Pantry. scheme which takes the provision
foodbanks much further in order to create a sustainable programme in the manner of
the original co-operatives.
Ecumenism is a day-to-day expression of what it means to be church. At times it is
right to highlight special events that mark the ecumenical joumey that all Christians
must make as they seek to usher in the Kingdom which for is all, not just a few.
This year 2025, marks the 1700th Anniversary of the Council of Nicaea. This was the
first ecumenical council that led to what is known as the Nicene Creed. Whilst it
brought much unity to the Early ChurGh, which was destroying itself over doctrinal
conflict, there remains disagreement over some small. but by no means insignificant
differen￿S.
You have the opportunity to explore all of this over the weekend of 12th _ 14th
September when Blackburn Cathedral will host an ecumenical programme to mark
this 1700th Anniversary. There is so much to share but I will end this report here
because it is here, the statement of faith, that stands at the centre of all that we are.
The Revd Dr Peter Colwell
Deputy General Secretsry of Churches Together in Brilain & Ireland
Chair of Churches Together in Lancashire
27th February 2025

Annual General Meetlng ft•r the year ending 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
CHURCHES
TOGETHER
The County Ecumenical Officer's Report
The Revd Anton Muller MA
1 14 LA ￿CA 5 MIPR
It has been another busy year packed with ecumenical activities. events and
programmes.
I re￿iVed reports of a good number of ServI￿S and gathering for prayers in the
Week of Prayer for Christian Unty. I took part in the event held at St Anne's Lytham.
We did hold an online event which the few people who attended found helpful. l am
not planning a CTL online gathering in 2025.
Engaging with Churchos & Groups
Over the year I have taken services at Penwortham URC, St Leonards CofE in
Langho, Trinity Community Church Accrington, our only BaptisVAnglican LEP.
I have attended meetings of the Blackbum and Darwen Leaders Group, the Fylde
Leaders Group, Churches Together in North Blackbum, Accrington Deanery Synod.
It was very moving to attend the launch of the Northwest England Methodist District
and then the following day attend the welcome service for the Revd Michaela Barker
at Kirf(ham & Fairhaven Methodist Church with a message of welcome and greeting
on behalf of Churches Together in Lancashire.
Meetings of the Presidents and Denomlnational Ecumenical Officers
There have been five meetings of the Presidents (the Church Leaders for
Lancashire). These have been well attended by Zoom and at various venues around
the County. In 2025 there will be four meetings. Two by Zoom and two in person.
The main purpose of the meeting is to strengthen Christian unity across the
denominations through prayer, reflection and fellowship. The meetings also bring
shared issues and concems to the tsble. A joint statement was sent by the
Presidents in response to the last Government's withdrawal of funding to the
Interfaith Network. There was also considerable discussion on the Assisted Dying
Bill on which there are diverse views across the churches.
There have been ten meetings of the Denominational Ecumenical Officers split
between online and attended meetings. There is an emphasis on prayer, reflection
and fellowship. These gatherings also represent something of the engine-room of
ecumenism in Lancashire as each member relates to various groups and activities
around the County. Most importantly they support and encourage ecumenical
development in their own denominations. The Revd Daleen Ten Cate, DEO for the
Northwest Synod comments: °Highlights for me of last year was to work with all the
people who was part ofthe RLS CTL, on grassroots level such as Lancashire
Citizens, PLASP, St Johns Ambulance etc. It is always important to me that the
relationships we build, trickle down to grassroots levels. It was also special to be
part ofthe first women's only team presiding the Love Feast at the RLS."

Annual General Meeting for the yearending 31¥t December 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
CHURCHES
TOGETHER
Partnership Working
I1+ LA14CAS hlRE
The Enabling Group for environment is developing well. Dave Champness has
taken on the role of Chair of the Environment Group. It is planned to carry out a
cross denominational sUr￿eY of church and environment matters, to encourage all
churches to engage creatively for a cleaner environment and assist those working
towards the Eco Church Awards.
The Enabling Group for Social Justi￿ & Responsibly is covered by the worf( being
done by Dr Peter Lumsden who is making progress with various NHS bodies and
Social Prescribing
CTL'S network partners now include Sanctuary Mental Health, Citizens UK,
Lancashire Association of Councils for Voluntary Service, No Whispers CIC, Housing
Justice, Church Action on Poverty, Your Local Pantry Scheme, Lancashire Mind,
The Christian Police Association, Field Nurses, Parish Nursing, Famiing Community
Network, Hope at Home, the Pan Lancashire Anti-slavery Partnership, (PLASP),
NHS Community Roots, Christian Aid. the Lancashire Churdies Rural Focus Group
and the Agriculturnl Chaplaincy. All of these were represented in the Church Tent
at the Royal Lancashire Show which received grants from the Lord Lieutenant's
Duchy Fund and the Lancashire Foundation. The Church Tent was visited by the
Lord Lieutenant. Mrs Amanda Parker, the Mayor of Blackbum, the Mayor of
Hyndbum, the Bishops of Bumley and Blackbum.
Engaglng with the reglonal and natlonal work of ecumenlsm
In my wider remit I have continued to represent the Northwest region of Churches
Together in England on it's Enabling Gioup. This is a role that I share with my
counterpart in Merseyside, Elisabeth Hachmoeller. Between us we co-ordinate the
meetings of the Northwest region in various locations and online.
The Northwest Synod of the United Refomed Church has appointed the Revd
Darren Holland as it Ecumenical Officer across the Northwest supporting its
churches and local ecumenical offi￿rS. Darren attends the Northwest CEO group,
the Lancashire DEO meetings and the meetings of the Lancashire Church Leaders.
In my role as the Moderator of the National Forum of Churches Together in England
I have attended the annual meetings of the Staff & Trustees, contributed to the
discussions on its strategic and organisational development and chaired the Forum
Planning Group.
Ensuring a futuro for skill•d ecumenical work
After two years of work to create and promote the development of a Common
Awards Ecumenical Module for lay and ordained ministerial training this has now
been accepted by Ripon College, Cuddesdon, Oxford.

Annual General Meeting for the year endlng 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
An ecumenical celebration of Christmas
CHURCHES
TOGETHER
9th December: Christian Police Association Caml Servlce
Churches Together in Lancashire was well represented at this event, and we hope to
be fully part of the event again. I gave one of the readings. The new Chief Constable
for Lancashire Constsbulary, Sacha Hatchett, took part along with the Chief
Superintendent Stasia Osiowy who is the Divisional Commander for South Division,
which covers Preston, South Ribble, Chorley. Onnskirk and Skelmer5dale. for South
Ribble. The music was led by the Preslon Salvation Amiy Corp Band. I would like
CTL to give this more support and encourage the Church Leaders to attend and take
part as they are able. The event was featured in "The Salvationist. the national
magazine of the Salvation Amiy with a picture of Major David Taylor, NW Div
Commander with the Chief Constable.
18th December." Lancashire Carers Slng Chrlstmas
This event went very well and was reported on BBC Northwest Television across two
programmes. The Archbishop of Liverpool, the Most Revd Malcom Mcmahon gave
the message this year which recognised the work of carers. both individuals and
organisations. There was also a call and prayer for peace in the various places of
conflict. The Revd Peter Colwell, Chair of CTL was amongst those interviewed
during the programme and featured on BBC Northwest Tonight.
Less groups now sign up to host local venues because of the time of the
programme, although a small number did host evening events using BBC Sounds. I
intend to encourage more participation in the daytime and at other times using the
BBC Sounds option.
21st December Romanian Orthodox Church Christmas Event
A few of us attended this fabulous Christmas musical event with traditional
Romanian music, readings and prayers, and of course traditional Romanian
delicacies. Thank you to Fr Ciprian Bidan, the Romanian Orthodox Priest in Preston
and to the church for their welcome and hospitality.
Priorities for 2025
Establishing active contacts in each our local groups remains a challenge.
Comms remains key to keep ecumenism visible
Encouraging groups to build on their programmes and to explore the
ecumenical dimension across the various ministries taking place.
Encouraging the ecumenical dimension in lay and ordained ministerial
formation.
Launch of the Common Awards module 'Theory and Practice of Ecumenism"
with Ripon College. Cuddesdon.
Strengthening the support for each DEO by their Church Leader and creating
a network of ecumenical contacts in each denomination across the County.

Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
Church Leaders should regularly invite the DEOS to bring an ecumenical
dimension to denominational strategic planning and organisation.
Developing the civic and community relationships through the creation.
support and development of enabling groups around key issues and network
partnerships.
Continue to build up the directory of recognised Independent Free Churches.
Continue to identify and build relationship with BAME led churches.
Identify and support young adultslyouth in ecumenism linked to the CTE Bill
Snelson Fund for young ecumenists. Linked to this is to have greater
involvement in Surfstage. youth and young adult pilgrimages
CHURCHES
TOGETHER
Events in 2025
2025 is a year of Jubilee. The 2025 Catholic Jubilee Year is a Holy Year of Jubilee
that began on December 24. 2024. and will end on January 6. 2026. The theme for
the year is "Pilgrims of Hope." There will be events taking place globalty as across
the three Dioceses in Lancashire. htt s:I1￿.cbcew.or
.ukl'ubilee-20251
Vision 2026 The DI0￿Se of Blackbum is planning a programme which will take it
forward as it approached its ￿ntenary year. The Diocesan Ecumenical Officers are
working on the inclusion of ecumenical development and engagement in the next
stage of the Diocesan Vision after 2026.
17.19th March: The Churches Together In England Forum 2025
One but not same: celebrating diversity- living with difference.
The Lancashire delegates are The Revd Stephen Brown. DEO for the Archdeaconry
of Blackbum, Captsin Tracy Collis, DEO and Church Leader representative for the
NW Division of the Salvation Army.
Fr Paul Cannon & Sharon Beech (Diocese of Salford). Deacon Pru Cahill (NWE
Methodist District). The Revd Kevin Huggett (URC NW Synod) is the Forum Director
of Music. Bishop Anderson Jeremiah is now a Trustee of CTE and will be giving the
keynote address in place of Justin Welby following his recent resignation.
4th 6th July Surfstage: All Age Christian Festival at Parbold - this has the
potential to be the Greenbelt of the North.
18th _ 20th July Royal Lancashire Show: The Church Tent will host a range of
partner organisations with a particular focus this year on Rural Poverty and the
Living Wage Campaign. Network Partner "Citizens UK. will lead on this aspect.
12th - 14th Septemb8r= Nicaaa 25- a celebration of faith. belief and the unity we
share in Christ and established at the first Council of Nicaea in 325 with the
fonnulation of the first ecumenical document we know as the Nicene Creed. Prof
Rachel Muers (Quaker) has accepted our invitation to take part.
htt s:Iledweb rofiles.ed.ac.ukl rofilel rofessor-rachel-muers

Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 271h February 2025
CHURCHES
TOGETHER
I¥ IAWC4SHlPf
Other participants include Dr Victoria Tumer (URC), Ripon College, Cuddesdon; Fr
Andrew Louth, Emeritus Professor of Orthodox Studies (Durham University); The
Revd Tim Norwood, CofE National Ecumenical Officer for Local Ecumenism. There
will be other denominational representatives taking part.
Please save the dates, especially the ecumenical gathering on Saturday aftemoon
13th September.
18th December 2025 Lancashire Carers Sing Christmas with Radio Lancashlre
We have the new Bishop of Bumley, The Rt Revd Joe Kennedy taking part and
provisionally the new Chief Fire Officer for Lancashire & Rescue.
So why bother with Ecumenism?
Because Jesus prays for It, and we are called to make It so.
John 17vv18-24
18As you have sent me into the world, so I have sent them into the world. 19And for
their sakes I sanctify myself, so that they also may be sanctified in truth. 20 11 ask not
only on behalf of these, but also on behalf of those who will believe in me through
their word, 21 that they may all be one.
As you, Father, are in me and l am in you, may they also be in us, so that the world
may believe that you have sent me. 22 The glory that you have given me I have given
them, so that they may be one, as we are one, 231 in them and you in me, that they
may become completely one,
But why.
so that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them even as you
have loved me. 24 Father, I desire that those also, whom you have given me, may be
with me where l am, to see my glory, which you have given me because you loved
me before the foundation of the world.
Wh
so that the world may know that you have sent me...
so that the world may know that you have sent me...
so that the world may know .... Youl
It's a Mission Imperative not a Mission Impossiblel

Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31$t December.
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
Report from the Angllcan Denominatlonal Ecumenical Officers
The Revd Stephen Brown, The Revd Gary Lewis
Diocese of Blackbum
CHURCHES
TOGETHER
111 LANCASMIRE
Next year will mark the centenary of the foundation of the Church of England
Blackbum Diocese. For the last decade the Diocese has been w0￿1ng towards
priorities established through a process called Vision 2026, around Christian
discipleship and leadership, chIld￿n and young people, and witness to Christ in daily
living. As that programme finishes. a period of consultation is Unde￿aY to dIs￿rn a
renewed focus and direction.
It seems fair to say that ecumenism has not featured greatly in re￿nt times in our
collective thinking. Towards the end of last year. a successful bid for (amount??)
from central church funds, focused on evangelistic renewal, gave cause for much
celebration. Clearly it offers exciting possibilities, but it is nevertheless noticeable
that the considerable work that's been done locally to attract it took little account of
what all our non-Anglican neighbours are doing, despite trying to be faithful to the
same gospel, and in the same geographical areas - and. indeed, facing many of the
same challenges.
Following my own recent retirement as a Vicar in Haslingden and having had a
chance to spent many of the Sundays over the last four months visiting other
congregations around Accrington, I now have a renewed perspective on the bigger
picture of which we are all part. It is not always something that we seem to
recognise or want to acknowledge.
The two Anglican DEOS are currently liaising with Anton and with national
ecumenical officers as to how best to present the case for thinking {and praying)
more ecumenically, and how to get ecumenism back in the centre of our agenda,
post Vision 2026.
Coincidentally, there are projects going on across Lancashire, coordinated through
an initiative called Gather, which aim to map the work that local churches and faith
groups are doing systematically, especially around care for children and families,
care for homeless people. and provision of food banks and community pantries. This
seems likely to Produ￿ clear evidence for the value of induding churches in
discussions about funding for new partnership projects, not least with local
authorities and the NHS. But mapping such things may also alert churches
themselves to the importance of each other's presen￿ and gifts.
Surely that must be to the greater glory of our God, whose providence we are called
to witness to not least in the honouring of one another. and through each of our
distinctive voices joined in together in singing the music of Christ.
The Revd Stephen Brown
DEO for the Blackbum Archdeaconry, Diocese of Blackbum
10

Annual GeneTrl Meeting for the year ending 31st December.
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
Report from Enabling Group for Church and Envlronment
CHURCHES
TOGETHER
Chair: Mr Dave Champness
Di0￿seS of Blackburn & Carlisle Net Carbon Zero Senior Project Mgr
It4 LANCASHIRE
Terms of Reference:
Representatives from the URC. COE and RC (Quakers), met in July with the Revd
Anton Muller, County Ecumenical Officer for Churches in Lancashire. to explore the
potential to reinvigorate the Environmental Enabling Group that last met pre-covid.
This document discusses some potential topicslissues for collaboration across the
counties of Lancashire and Cumbria reflecting the broader geographically
overlapping areas ¢x)vered by the NW Synod of the URC. NW Methodist District, the
COE dioceses of Blacld)um and Carlisle (who are collaborating on carbon net zero)
and Ihe RC Diocese of Lancaster that also covers Cumbria (see map at end of
document).
Topicsfissues for collaboration
ECodi0￿selEcosynodlEcochurch - providing a regionavstrategic point of
contact forARochalCaring for God's Acre officers and a mechanism for
sharing mutual learninglcollaborative events on topics such as:
Churchyards, maintenancelbiodiversity
Workshops for churches working towards bronze/silver/gold status
Raising awareness of regional and local councillthird sector support
Net Carbon Zero- providing a point of contact for regional officers to
collaborate on topics such as:
Church Schools - leaming from heat decarbonisation plans
Churchlcathedrallofficelretreat house buildings - leaming from energy
audiuheat decarbonisation plans and demonstrator projects
Vicarageslmanses - learning from heat decarbonisation plans and
demonstrator projects
Land not in churchyards - learning from strategic planning and
interventions
Carbon off-setting - learning from strategic planning and interventions
Providing a united VOI￿1P01nt of contact for environmental issues with
statutory and grant funding bodies in the geographic area eg local authorities,
Natural England
Providing a point of contact for regional third sector environment charities eg
CumbrialLancashire Wildlife Trusts
Enabling a response to matters of environmental Justi￿ as experienced by
the population of north-west England eg Cumbria coal-mine
Enabling environmental-themed content at the CTL tent at the Lancashire
Show.
Sharing resources for local campaigning {eg writing letters to MP'S) regarding
Climate Justice and Environment issues
11

Annual General Meeting for the year ending 315t December 2024
Held by Zoom on 2rh February 2025
Topicslissues out.of-scope
Matters predominantly related to social juslice andlor general rural affairs eg
affordability of energy bills, local food supply chain
Matters predominantly related to animal welfare
Planning and response to natural disasters linked to climate change eg
flooding, heatwaves
Proposed membership and meeting frequency
A Core Group to meet termly
Dave Champness (Church of England)
The Revd Anton Muller {Churches Together in Lancashire)
The Revd Daleen Ten Cate (URC)
The Revd Karen Herschell Lancashire Rural Focus Group
Stephen Garsed (Environmental Offi￿r, Diocese of Salford)
lan Marshall lQuakers)
Zoe Abernethy (Christian Aid)
Stephanie Roux, (Properties Manager, NWE Methodist District)
'Topic' sub-groups to be formed with other input from knowledgeable individuals eg
Diocesan Environmental Officers (DEnvO) to meet as frequently as they determine
EcochurchlEcodiocese
Net Carbon Zero
'Task and Finish, sub-groups to be fomied to resolve time-limited topics eg
Lancashire Show preparation.
Update:
1. The synods of both the dioceses of Blackbum and Carfisle received updates
on progress with their respective Net Cart)on ZerolEcodiocese action plans at
meetings on 19th October. Funding from The Church Commissioners has
provided additional staffing capacity and funding for
a. Energy AuditslHeat Decarbonisation Plans for all church schools and
the higher emitting churches
b. Small value grants (up to £2,000) for churches undertaking energy
reduction projects
Funding for a small number of 'demonstratorf projects - both churches
and vicarages
2. Both dioceses are actively working towards achieving silver E￿)dI0￿Se
status with the main challenge being encouraging more churches to
registerlwork toward an Ecochurch award.
3. In July 2024, The General Assembly of URC received an update on progress
with implementing the Environmental Policy adopted in 2022.
4. Following a well-attended Ecochurch event hosted by Carlisle Cathedral on
5th October featuring input from Rev Canon Grace Thomas (Manchester
Cathedral residentiary canon and Diocesan Environmental Officer), plans will
be developed with Blackbum Cathedral to host something similar in 2025
12

Annual General Meeting for tho year ending 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
5. A group of churches in the Lancasterlmorecambe area are planning an
ecumenical Ecochurch day on 14th June 2025.
Introducing the Revd Karen Herschell Stephanle Roux and members reports
Karen's is plt COE incumbent for four parishes in the Hodder Valley and
plt rural church renewal officer supporting churches to have a growth
agenda. She will be asking how Creation Care fits with missional
approach. Churches in her two previous benefices made good
progress on Ecochurch - Balderstone is a great exemplar for Forest
Church.
Stephanie oversees Methodist buildings (churcheslmanses) across the
NW and is helping to steer churches in their Ecochurchlnet zero
journey. She will contact Polly Eaton at Arocha to get access to the
district's Ecochurch data. Aiming for all manses to have an EPC of at
least 'C' and disposing of property where this cannot be met (a similar
strategy is being employed by Blackbum Diocese, but harder to find
suitable repla￿ment property within some parishes). In Cumbria, God
for All strategy looks at the church and school buildings in a community
and selects the most appropriate to maintain worship.
Daleen shared the data for URC engagement with Ecochurch across the NW
Synod of which
Lancashire. Bronze: 9, silver 5, gold 1 (Clitheroe). Garstang almost
gold but finding the church land section challenging to achieve
Cumbria. Bronze: 7, silver 6
Initial progress made during Covid lockdowns
New building person in post. QI reports to include carbon section.
Same conversations happening as COE re: green investment in clergy
housing that costs the regional church but benefits the occupiers.
URC looking at an affordable housing scheme on land at Bolton-le-
Sands
Stephen explained the 'Live Simply. RC equivalent of Ecochurch that doesnt
have grades of awards. It is also applicable to church schools and religious
orders.
Good engagement in NW Cumbria (Cockennouthlworkington) and
poor in Preston which is consistent with URCICOE currently
Wider challenge of engaging priests who have come from overseas to
lead parishes on eco matters. Mixed response.
It was agreed that we should ask the 70 local Churches Together Group
Leaders (of whom approximately 20 respond usually) whether ecolcreation
13

Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
carelnet zero has been discussed locally and for stories of ecumenical
wort(ing on the topic. ACTION: DavelAnton to devise and circulate a
questionnaire
The Christian Aid update was shared
Anton reported on the Church Leaders, meeting at end January. The AGM is
27th Feb at 7.30pm online. The leaders, next meeting is 6th March at which he
will provide an update from this meeting.
Royal Lancashire Show tent provides missional reSoUr￿S for supporting rural
communities - historically there was some resource for rural chaplaincy but
this ceased 8+ years ago.
for
Resources:
Arocha:
htt s:Ilarocha.or
lenltheolo
-churcheslfaith-distinctivesl
Baptist Union of Great Britsin
htt s.Ilwww.ba
tist.or
.uldArtIGles16184271Climate resources for.as
Catholic Church Laudate Si:
htt s:Ilwww.vatican.valcontenVfrancescolenlenc
francesco 20150524 enciclica-laudato-si.html
clicalsldocumentsl a
Church of England Net Zero Carbon Church
htt s.'Ilwww.churchofen
land.or
IresourGes/churchcarelnet-zero-carbon-church
The Methodist Church in Britain
htt s:Ilwww.methodist.or
.uldactionlclimateltake-action-become-an-eco-churchl
Quakers in Britain
htt s.'/lwww.
uaker.or
.ukleventsl uaker-eco-church-network-ste
s-to-accreditation
The Salvation Army
htt s:/lwww.salvationarm
.or
.uldabout-usl olicieslenvironment
United Reformed Church Eco Awards
htt s:Ilurc.or
.uklcate
/ecol htt s:Ilnws
od.or
.uklmission-
reen-a
ostlesl
Six Christian Charities that help the Environment
htt s:I/Mvw.stewardshi
.or
.uldblo
s16-christian-environment-or
anisations
Christian Aid Climate Justice
htt s:Ilwww.christianaid.or
.ukl et-involvedlcam
ai
nsltalkin
-climate-
ustice-tour
14

Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 2fh February 2025
CHURCHES
TOGETHER
Report from the Enabling Group for Social Justice & Responslblllty
Faith Partnerships in Lancashire
Dr Peter Lumsden
Itl IA NCA $TrFIRE
A. Movement for Recovery htt s:11 athermovement.or
Funding has been secured in Bumley to continue mapping the provision (food,
mental health, family support) being made by faith groups, and separate funding to
begin the same mapping process in Hyndbum. This worf( is part of an approach to
the development of partnerships °at place".
B. Countering isolation - Places of Welcome
Community groups. including churches. can provide settings for people to meet, form
friendships, and so avoid being isolated and lonely. Such locations can raise their
profile, and secure some funding. by registering as a Place of Welcome. Any newly
registering locations can apply for a small 'start-up' grant, of up to £500.
htt s'.Ilwww.
lacesofwelcome.or
Contsct Peter Lumsden, regional co-ordinator for more infomiation (Email below).
C. Local authorlty Ilnks
Staff at Lancs CC recognise that the pressures on adult social care are very often
consequence of social isolation (see above), and people not knowing where to go.
LCC are working with districts to identify hotspot areas where there is high demand,
and how to connect in with their communities. LCC are funding additional
'Community connectorf posts in all districts. Meanwhile, faith groups can easily
engage with local family hub networks, and the relevant community network,
D. Engaging with Health
An example of shifting provision from hospital to community is the Lancashire and
South Cumbria Foundation Trust (LSCFT) health and wellbeing vehicle, the HARRI
(health, advi￿, recovery. resilience. infonnation) bus. This travels to community
settings, where staff offer advice and guidance and routine blood pressure checks -
these routinely reveal previously undetected high blood pressure in around 10 % of
attendees. To book HARRI. contsct Hasan Sidat (hsidat
Iscft.nhs.uk) .
E. The VCFSE alliance for Lancashire and South Cumbria (LSC VCFSE)
The Allian￿ has re￿ntlY established a Reference Group to contribute to the ICBS
Transfonning Community Care (TCC) Programme. The TCC programme is
committed to Co-designing a new model of community care for the future so that
more people can be treated and cared for outside hospitsl settings. The key to
Su￿ssfUllY transforming community care will be for all health and care partners
across Lancashire and South Cumbria, including the NHS, lo(21 govemment and the
Voluntary. Community. Faith and Social Enterprise sector (VCFSE) to work better
together.
F. Convention of the North
This is a hugely significant annual gathering of regional leaders and policy makers
which this year is being held in Preston, Feb 27th and 28th
htt s://www.conventionofthenorth.or
.uklnewsl
15

Annual General Meeting for the yearendlng 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
On the evening of Feb 26th the day before the convention, Northem chapters of
Citizens UK (including Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and Liverpool) are
organising a 'satellite' event, with a particular focus on public transport but will also a
wider view of how Citizens, chapters are helping local people to take action to bring
about change to improve lives, including successful campaigns like the Real Living
Wage. The Northern Chapters and partners have invited MP'S, Mayors and decision
makers from their areas to attend Ihe satellite to hear the experiences of ordinary
people.
A big turnout from members of the public, including faith groups will increase the
impact of this event
To register interest, reserve a seat and to get more infonnation please use this link:
htt s.11actionne￿0rk.0r
eventslcitizens-of-the-north-convention-of-the-north
Peter Lumsden (pjlumsden58@gmail.com)
Network partner of CTL (Churches Together), Representing Faith Networks on the
LSC VCFSE alliance, and public issues offI￿r NW England Methodist district
Resources
NHS Social Prescribing
htt s'./lwww.en
land.nhs.uld
ersonalisedcarelsocial-
rescribin
htt s'.l/www.en
land.nhs.uldabouUe
ualit le
ualit -hub1
Gather Movement
htt s:11 athermovement.or
Pla￿S of Welcome
htt s:/lwww.
lacesohvelcome.or
Community Roots HARRI Bus
htt s:Ilwww.Iscft.nhs.uldcommunit
rootslabout-uslharri-bus
VCFSE alliance for Lancashire and South Cumbria
htt s:Ilwww.healthierlsG.co.uklVCFSE
Church Action on Povety
htt s:Ilwww.church- overt
,or
Christians Against Poverty
htt s.llca
uk.or
l et-involvedlcam
n-with-us
Convention of the North
htt s:Ilwww.conventionofthenorth.or
.uklnewsl
16

Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
Finance Summa
for the
ear endin
31st December 2024
Receipts
Denominational contributions (late from 2023 and all 2024)
Other receipts
Grants re￿iVed towards Royal Lancs Show
Mis￿lIaneOUS
£45642.00
£ 1750.00
£ 1854
Total Receipts
£49246.00
Expenditure
CEO Salary
HMRC
£34363 "includes backdated housing allowance
£ 8655
£ 3704
£ 4288
£ 970
£ 60
£ 3916
£ 2693
Pension
Officer's Expenses
Offi￿, including insurance
Banking costs
Meetings, conferences, costs
Royal Lancs Show
Totsl Expenditure
£58649.00
Deficit for the year
-£ 9403,00
Account Balance
£24027.00
Notes
Salary and PAYE costs were inflated by about £9k due to the backdated housing allowance, which
more or less accounts for the deficit.
It may be time to make some adjustments to the level and distribution of denorninational contributions.
Contributions have been static for the seven years that I have been keeping the records indicating that
contributions have not increased for a lot longer.
Jim Fisher
Treasurer
17

Annual General Meeting for the year ending 31st Dècember 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
Churches Together in Lancashire Chair & Presidents & Trustees
htt s:/lwww.ctlancashire.or
.uklwhos-whol
The Revd Dr Petsr Colwell
Deputy General Secretary, CTBI
Chair
The Revd Anton Muller MA
County Ecumenical Officer
Secretsry
The Rt Revd John Amold,
(Fr Peter Hopkinson VG)
Catholic Diocese of Salford
(Trustee)
DEO Fr Paul Cannon
The Rt Revd Tom Neylon
(Canon Peter Stanley)
Archdiocese of Liverpool
Lancashire Deanery
DEO Canon Peter Stsnley
The Rt Revd Paul Swarbrick
Catholic Diocese of Lancaster
(Trustee)
DEO Fr Peter Bums
Fr Jonathan Hemming
Antiochian Orthodox
DEO Fr Ciprian Bidan
(Romanian Orthodox)
The Rt Revd Philip North
Diocese of Blackburn
{Trustee)
DEO The Revd Stephen Brown
The Rt Revd Dr Jill Duff
Diocese of Blackbum
DEO The Revd Gary Lewis
18

Annual General Meeting ft>r the year ending 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
The Rt Revd Dr Joe Kennedy
Diocese of Blackbum
The Rt Revd Dr John Fenwick
Free Church of England
(Rep The Revd Tony Ford)
The Revd Phil Jump
{The Revd Brian Drury)
Northwest Baptist Association
DEO The Revd Brian Drury
(Trustee)
The Revd Dr James Tebbutt
Northwest England Methodist District
District Chair
The Revd Sharon Read
Northwest England Methodist District
Lancashire Mission Area Lead
(Trustee)
DEO The Revd Stuart Wild
The Revd Clare Downing
(The Revd Darren Holland
United Reformed Church NW Synod
DEO The Revd Daleen Ten Cate
NW Synod Ecumenical Officer)
Major David Taylor
(Captain Tracy Collis)
Northwest Division Salvation Army
DEO Captain Tracy Collis
Roy Stephenson
Lancashire Quakers
(Trustee)
DEO lan Marshall
Churches Together in LanCashI￿ is an Intennediate Body of Churches Together in
England. htt s:Ilcte.or
CHURCHES
TOGETHER
l N E M fj L A 11 D

Annual General Meeting for th8 year ending 31st December 2024
Held by Zoom on 27th February 2025
A prayer of commitment and unity
We as part of the whole Christian Church in Lancashire confess our faith
in One God, the Father, Creator, the Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord and
Saviour, the Holy Spirit, guiding His Church, the Body of Christ, into all
truth.
We repent of all that is wrong in our past histories and present attitudes.
We rejoice in the riches of the traditions we have inherited and seek to
share them more fully with one another in the unity which is the will and
gift of God.
We commit ourselves to deepening our fellowship with Christ and with
one another so that we may know, understand and value each other and
together seek through prayer God's will for His people.
We will seek to work together in pastoral care and mission as we reach
out with the love of God to the people of Lancashire.
Amen
CHURCHE5 TOG￿FIER TN LANCA.SIIIRE
ANNUAL GENERAL MEFfiNG
THURSDAY ?7IFI FEBRUARI. 2025
FOR THE YEAR ENDING
315r DECEMBER 2024
CHURCHE5
TOGETHER
THAT THEY MAY BE ONE
United
Reformed
Church
￿E[F￿DIsTOLM￿r
BLACKPURri
20