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.

Extended Time to take part in the National Churches Survey 2025

The National Churches Trust is conducting a major survey to better understand the challenges faced by those who care for the UK’s 38,500 churches. This is an excellent opportunity to gather valuable information on how church buildings across England and Wales are used to support their communities. 

So far, there has been a strong response to the National Churches Survey, with around 2,200 responses. However, the National Churches Trust is keen to increase that number to ensure the survey has the greatest impact. 

The deadline has therefore been extended to Sunday, 13th July. This will be the final date for responses. We encourage anyone who has not yet participated to take this opportunity to do so.  We are particularly eager to see Free Churches represented in the survey. 

Please see below a short message from the National Churches Trust, including a link to take part:   

If you work or volunteer at a church, chapel or meeting house, we want to hear from you. You response will provide essential evidence to build a clearer picture – to tell a stronger, more informed story about your church, and others like it, so that together we can address some of the biggest challenges facing churches and help ensure their future. Please take part now in The National Churches Survey to give your place of worship a voice.

Os ydych yn gweithio neu’n gwirfoddoli mewn eglwys, capel neu dy gyfarfod, rydym eisiau clywed gennych chi. Bydd eich ymateb yn darparu tystiolaeth hanfodol i adeiladu darlun cliriach – i adrodd stori gryfach, fwy gwybodus am eich eglwys chi, ac eraill tebyg, fel y gallwn fynd i’r afael gyda’n gilydd â rhai o’r heriau mwyaf sy’n wynebu eglwysi a helpu i sicrhau eu dyfodol.Cymerwch ran yn Arolwg Cenedlaethol yr Eglwysi. 

Nourishing Roots with Catherine Todd – ‘Silence Inside’

A day of reflection, restoration and retreat for chaplains with Catherine Todd – ‘Silence Inside’

Date and time: Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:00 - 16:00 GMT

Location: The Garden Room, Quaker Meeting House, John Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1SJ

Please join us on Wednesday, 19th November at the Quaker Meeting House, John Street, Bury St Edmunds, IP33 1SJ.

Nourishing Roots retreat days, held three times a year, are an opportunity for chaplains in healthcare, prisons, education and beyond to retreat, reflect and recharge spiritually and emotionally from their challenging ministry contexts.

Catherine Todd will lead the day. She has worked in prison chaplaincy since 2007 in various prisons and now works nationally, supporting chaplaincy in the Youth Custody estate. Previously, she has worked in parish ministry, midwifery and nursing. She has also trained as a psychotherapist. Her particular interest is in experiential spirituality, of meeting the holy in the moment, wherever and whatever that moment is like. Silence is a good medium for this, and the day will very much be based in silence, with attentive, deep listening practices.

Tickets cost £15 for FCG Chaplains or £25 for non-FCG Chaplains. Please contact Mark Newitt at mark.newitt@freechurches.org.uk for FCG Chaplains ticket. note that refunds can be issued up to 7 days beforehand, but for catering reasons not beyond that date.

Register your place HERE.

Image by Michael Schwarzenberger from Pixabay

Statement on the Election of His Holiness, Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV, we, the Free Churches Group in England and Wales, extend warm congratulations to you on your election.

We welcome the spirit of your first address, in which you called for “building bridges”, reminded us that “we are all in the hands of God” and urged us to advance together.

These words resonate powerfully with our shared calling to unity, compassion, and faithful witness in a divided world.

Our prayers are with you Pope Leo XIV, as you begin this important global ministry. We look forward to continuing dialogue and cooperation as pilgrims together in Christ’s mission of peace, justice, and reconciliation.

May God bless and guide you in the days, weeks, months and years to come.

Revd Dr Tessa Henry-Robinson
Moderator of the Free Churches Group

A Statement from the Moderator of the Free Churches Group on the Passing of Pope Francis

Today the Free Churches Group join many around the world in expressing condolences to the global Catholic community, and in recognising the life and work of Pope Francis, who carried out his duties as one whose witness was rooted in love and the boundless mercy of God.

 He was a pioneer of conscience, courage, and conviction—one who refused to look away from suffering. He turned toward the wounded people and places of the world as a Gospel imperative, reminding us that God’s presence is not found in the triumphs of power but in the cries of the poor.

 He was a listening Pope - a leader who will be remembered.

 For a life poured out in service, we give thanks.

 May he rest in peace.

Photo by Annie Chen from Pexels,com