The Implementation Stage

In March 2025, Synod Members across our diocese gathered to vote on 40 recommendations that would feed into a Pastoral Plan to steer our diocese over the coming years.

Over recent months, implementation groups have been formed to explore the recommendations in greater detail. Together with diocesan trustees and leadership teams, the groups were asked to discern and discuss what they thought our diocese should look like in 5 – 10 years and how we might achieve that.

A Vision of Hope and Growth

These groups were aligned in their vision. They saw a diocese transformed by the Holy Spirit. That is rooted in prayer, scripture, and a deep sense of community. They wanted our path forward to be one of hope, courage, and commitment, embracing the call to be a truly synodal Church.

To begin realising this vision, our working groups have identified the below themes to respond to the recommendations of our Diocesan Synod.

Please click the links to find out more about each of these and their suggested actions:

Our Vision:

We are a community where the encounter with the Jesus we meet in the Gospels and the Eucharist is the very heart of our being, and where scripture and prayer become the foundation of all we do.

We are convinced that the synodal way, walking together, listening, and discerning is the path God calls us to follow. This journey may bring challenge, but through change comes hope, growth, and renewal.

Our Vision:

Our vision is for a participatory Church, where all people and communities are represented in parish life and decision-making.

Leadership at every level – parish and diocesan – should reflect the diversity of our people. We will foster new forms of formation for clergy and laity alike, empowering everyone to contribute their gifts and talents.

Our Vision:

We recognise that today’s young people will be tomorrow’s leaders. We will work with parents, schools and young people to shape the future, ensuring that youth are fully engaged in parish life, leadership, and service.

Our Church will be family-focused, understanding that family takes many forms, and supporting all in their journey of faith.

Our Vision:

We want our diocese to be known for its outreach and dialogue, both within the Church and with the wider community. We will renew our sense of community, respond to changing demographics, and build our interfaith relationships.

We are committed to healing and changing the narrative with survivors of abuse, ensuring our Church is a place of safety and compassion.