The Church of England has recognised the strategic importance of the Diocese of Durham’s strategic plans for ‘Blessing our communities’ through the award of a £0.8M grant.
The Church of England nationally, through the Strategic Development Funding made available by the Church Commissioners to promote growth, has awarded the Diocese of Durham the money after it successfully bid for funding that would directly impact mission within the communities served by the Diocese.
Picture By: Keith Blundy
Andrew Thurston Diocesan Secretary – Thrilled with the Church of England grant that will better enable our churches to be at the heart of their local communities.
Andrew Thurston the Diocesan Secretary said: “The grant will be used over the next three years to give our clergy and leading members of their congregations new skills and support for undertaking locally inspired mission projects. Doing this will better enable our churches to be at the heart of their local communities meeting the needs and aspirations of people living in the North East today.”
The Diocese of Durham’s strategic plan which was launched in 2015 focuses on three core priorities: Church Growth; Children & Young People; and Poverty. The strategy which is summarised in the form of a ‘Plan on a Page’ sets out the priorities, goals and actions that the Diocese is following in order to ‘Bless our communities in Jesus’ name for the transformation of us all’.
The Rt Revd Paul Butler, Bishop of Durham said: “I am delighted that the National Church has recognised the importance of the strategic plans that we are following here in Durham. This grant will allow us to accelerate the work we have already begun and to best equip our Church leaders for undertaking ministry in all our communities in the twenty first century.
“The three priority areas were specifically chosen to have the maximum impact, in doing so to ‘Bless our communities in Jesus’ name for the transformation of us all.’”