Communities across Derbyshire are set to benefit from the teamwork of the Diocese of Derby’s Social Responsibility team, three of whom will be commissioned to their work by the Bishop of Derby at a service in Derby Cathedral on Thursday, March 23rd at 7.30pm.

The work of the team will assist churches across the county in developing projects to address social injustice and engage in social action, advise them on developing projects and obtaining funding for their community work. Church and Society Officer Richard Jordan, the newest member of the team, will liaise with regional government, district councils and strategic partnerships so that local churches can be kept informed about developments affecting communities, and ensure the church’s voice is heard within these organisations.

Richard, 50, who currently commutes daily from Walsall to Derby for his new job said: “I still have a lot to learn about the churches in Derbyshire but some of the projects that I have already heard about have really impressed me. So often it’s down to a volunteer realising that there is a need in the community, using their imagination to find a way of meeting it, and rolling their sleeves up to get on with it. Having the commissioning service at the Cathedral is about saying loud and clear that through the Social Responsibility team, we support churches in putting what Christians believe into practice.” As the only ordained member of the team, Richard will receive a Bishop’s licence for his work.

Stella Collishaw and Joy Bates, the Community Action Officers in the team, have been working in Social Responsibility for six and five years respectively. Stella said: ”We’re delighted to welcome Richard on board and his role will make a huge difference to us in the Social Responsibility team. We all believe that actions speak louder than words and what the church does in its communities will speak volumes about God’s love and bring Bible teaching alive.”

The Rt Rev’d Dr Alastair Redfern, Bishop of Derby, will anoint the team with oil as part of the service. He said: “The Social Responsibility team will begin their work at a time of fresh challenges and new opportunities in this diocese and region. A core part of their work is to move beyond traditional boundaries and be a model of new possibilities. They will work across denominations and liaise with other faiths, working with a vast range of people for the ultimate wellbeing of Derbyshire communities. I am greatly looking forward to commissioning them in their work and hearing about their progress.”

ENDS