Rural Affairs
Welcome to Rural Affairs in the Diocese of Newcastle
The Diocese of Newcastle covers the beautiful and deeply rural county of Northumberland, the most sparsely populated area in England. Small rural parts of County Durham and Cumbria are also within Newcastle Diocese.
The countryside is facing many changes and challenges. The Church, present in so many of our small and remote rural villages and hamlets where other services and facilities have vanished, is well-placed to play its part in supporting and strengthening rural community life. It does this most effectively when working in partnership with others.
The Rural Church at the County Show 2008:
From left to right: Robin Gray, Mary Gray, Ven Peter Robinson (Archdeacon of Lindisfarne), Rhoda Curry, Sarah Robinson, and Sir Donald Curry.
Faith and the Future of the Countryside - 2010
3 – 5 November 2010 at The Hayes, Swanwick, Derbyshire
A major ecumenical conference exploring the sustainability of rural communities and their churches, and making recommendations for their future. The event also marks 20 years from the publication of 'Faith in the Countryside' and the completion of the Archbishop's Commission on Rural Areas. Four conference themes of rural communities, economy, environment and rural church reflect the breadth of issues covered in the original report.
Four keynote addresses include:
- Prof Michael Winter, University of Exeter
- Prof Mark Shucksmith, University of Newcastle
There'll be around 20 seminars as well as poster sessions, time to meet, share, learn and be inspired. Several members of our Diocese are involved, as well. If you're in rural ministry, ask for a grant from the CME budget.
For further information and the booking form, go to www.rural20.org.uk
New Book on Rural Ministry just out (published Nov 30, 2009)
"Re-shaping Rural Ministry. A Theological and Practical Handbook", edited by James Bell (Bishop of Knaresborough), Jill Hopkinson (National Rural Officer) and Trevor Willmott (Bishop of Dover-designate), Canterbury Press, 2009. Priced £14.99 [or less from some outlets]
Includes chapters on context, distinctive features and values, leadership, pastoral ministry, vocational pathways, lay ministry and Initial Ministerial Education. This book is due to be reviewed in the February 2010 edition of the LINK, the Diocesan newspaper.
If you would like to add an item to the Rural Affairs page, please e-mail Dagmar Winter, the Rural Affairs Officer of the Diocese: dagmar[DOT]winter@btinternet.com
Back to top
More information within this section