More than 160 people from across the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds will be taking part in a major conference for lay members of the church this Saturday October 8^th, in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire.  Lay (non ordained) leaders and church members will meet to discuss change and change management in the local and national church at a time when plans to bring together three dioceses (Bradford, Wakefield and Ripon and Leeds) in one new large diocese are being considered.

Keynote speakers at the Lay Conference, 'Making Change Work Together’ , taking place at King James’ School, Knaresborough, will be the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Rt Revd John Packer, and Diocesan Secretary, Dr Sue Proctor. Bishop Packer leads a morning session on "God, Change and the Christian" whilst in the afternoon,  Sue Proctor offers an input titled: ‘It doesn't have to hurt’. 

This year clergy from each of the eight deaneries making up the diocese have been invited as observers. They will be invited to listen as lay people discuss and reflect on issues of change in mixed groups, as well as with members of their own parish and deanery.

Bishop Packer said that the conference would be a significant event for the diocese. “It has long been common practice for the clergy of a diocese to meet together as we did this year. It is equally valuable for lay people from across the diocese to meet together and think through those issues which affect us all as church members. It gives us a chance to learn from each other and to explore questions if change, both in society and in the church in the context of the unchanging love of God for all of us.”

The day will include time for spiritual reflection and clergy will be able to give a first response to what they observe.  One of those organising the day, Director  of Lay Development, Liz Williams said the conference will have value across the diocese. “The hope is that the material used on the day, and more besides, will be available for parish and deanery groups to use to look at areas of change and change management  in the months and years ahead as indeed we continue to strive to make change work for us.”

ENDS

Further information: Liz Williams, Director of Lay Development   0113 200 0556      

Issued by John Carter (Rev)
Press and Communications Officer, Diocese of Ripon and Leeds

jhgcarter@aol.com
01423 530369 or mobile 07798 652707