Statement from the Free Churches Group, England and Wales

On behalf of the Free Churches Group of England and Wales, the Moderator, Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson, extends heartfelt congratulations and warm good wishes to the Most Revd and Rt Hon Dame Sarah Mullally DBE on her historic appointment as Archbishop of Canterbury.

We wish you every strength, courage, and joy in this sacred calling, and pray that you feel God’s presence in each moment of discernment, service, and witness.

May God’s grace and goodness surround you, sustain you, and shine through your ministry in the years ahead.

Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson

Moderator

Free Churches Group

A stabbing attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation Synagogue earlier today

The Free Churches Group mourns the tragic attack at a synagogue in Manchester on the holiest day in the Jewish year and strongly condemns all acts of violence.

Our hearts and prayers are with those who have been injured, their families, and all who are grieving the loss of loved ones. We give thanks for the courage and dedication of the emergency services in responding so swiftly.

At this difficult time, we pray for healing, for compassion to guide our actions, and for communities across the UK to stand together in understanding, peace, and love.

Education Sunday 14th September 2025: Lost and found

“Lost and Found” is the theme for Education Sunday 2025.

On Education Sunday, 14 September, we will be looking at the well-known parables from Luke’s Gospel, the parable of the lost sheep and the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15.1-10).

In our schools, colleges and universities, there are many young people who feel lost, or appear to be lost. This can be because the institutions are so big that they don’t feel noticed, because don’t feel they fit with the expectations of the institution or their peers or because of the unseen struggles at home. Others appear to us to be lost because of the way they behave or fail to engage.

The introduction to the 2025 Education Sunday theme has been written by Rev Viviene Royal, the Executive Head of two alternative provision schools in the West Midlands. She says: “Our work is about being relentless in the search: finding the young person who’s become disconnected, rebuilding trust, and unlocking the door to learning again. We focus on the individual, and one-to-one pastoral support is key. Like the shepherd and the woman, we search and we keep searching.”

Please visit the CTE website to download the Education Sunday resources.

In addition to the usual resources for worship, we will be hosting a webinar helping churches to explore the issues raised by the TV series Adolescence and to consider how churches might respond on Tuesday, 16 September, from 4.30–6 pm.

Adolescence: a free webinar for churches, 16th Sept 2025, 16:30 - 18:00

An opportunity to explore and respond to the urgent issues exposed by the Netflix drama, Adolescence, and their implications for churches.

Adolescence: a free webinar for churches, 16th September 2025, 16:30 - 18:00

join us for an insightful webinar for churches centred on understanding and responding to the urgent issues exposed by Netflix’s critically acclaimed series Adolescence.

This four-episode, single-take British drama follows 13-year-old Jamie Miller, accused of murdering a classmate, and probes the devastating impact of toxic masculinity, online radicalisation, cyberbullying, peer pressure, knife crime, and the digital pressures facing boys today. Co-created by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, the series is praised for its emotional realism and raw performances and serves as a powerful conversation starter about youth vulnerability, responsibility, and healing within our communities.

In this webinar for church leaders, parents, and youth workers, we will explore implications for engaging with young people in a rapidly changing digital world.

You can register your place here.  

For more information, don't hesitate to get in touch with Sarah Lane Cawte at sarah.lane.cawte@freechurches.org.uk

This event flyer is available to download here.

A Date for the Diary! The First CoNNECT Day II

The First CoNNECT Day II

12 March 2026, 10.30 - 16.00

An opportunity for Networking, Nurturing, Encouragement and Community together!

The First CoNNECT Day II will focus on exploring and developing case study research. Whether you are an experienced researcher or just beginning your journey, this event promises valuable discussions and inspiring ideas that could shape your future work. Don’t miss this opportunity to coNNECT. Together, we can push boundaries and create case studies that make a meaningful impact!

Stay tuned for more details, and mark your calendar - this is an event you won’t want to miss!