A joyful gathering of 350 clergy, lay leaders and headteachers from across The Church of England in Lancashire took place this week; marking the Diocese's centenary year with their 2026 conference: ‘Found by Jesus: In Luke and Acts’.

The major four day event at Liverpool Hope University combined worship, Bible study, teaching, prayer and celebration.
It will leave a legacy for many years to come as the Diocese reaches the end of its current Vision 2026 and looks towards a new vision to launch later this year.

Delegates explored the rich themes of Luke's Gospel and the Acts of the Apostles through a wide range of activities; all centred on a renewed encounter with Jesus and his mission in the world.
A new centenary hymn, written by acclaimed singer-songwriter Gareth Davies-Jones, was also performed by Gareth for the first time at the conference and was sung multiple times across the week.
Reaction from people who attended the conference has been hugely positive; summed up by Tina White, Sanctuary Manager at Morecambe Parish Church, who said: “The whole conference has been absolutely amazing and inspiring; it’s also the most fun I’ve had in years! The teaching has been amazing and has answered some questions for me that I’ve been pondering over for a while. I’m so glad I came.”

Coverage of the four day conference can be found across the diocesan social media channels here on Facebook or Instagram.

Livestreams (with green room segments hosted by Revd Chris Krawiec from Morecambe Parish and Fr Alex Frost from St Matthew’s Burnley) also ran across the week. You can still watch the livestream recordings on our Fruitful app (search Fruitful, Blackburn Diocese on your app store) or here on our YouTube channel.


Comments on our social media channels have included:
“Great time at the conference – great memories created.”
“The centenary hymn is a real joy!”
“Thank you for the livestreams. Really enjoyable experience.”
“Insightful and inspiring!”
“A big thank you to all who made the centenary conference possible.”

Rt Revd Philip North, Bishop of Blackburn; Revd Dr Andy Meeson, Bishop’s Chaplain; Professor David Moffitt from the University of St Andrew’s; Dr Debbie Lewer from the University of Glasgow and Rt Revd Esther Prior, Bishop of Aston in Birmingham were the keynote speakers at the conference and collectively they delivered a compelling series of lectures to delegates across the four days.
Bible studies were led by Revd Canon Professor Loveday Alexander, Emeritus Professor of Biblical Studies at Sheffield University and Revd Canon Professor Jeremy Duff, recently appointed the new Dean of Emmanuel Theological College.

Meanwhile, worship was led by Pete Gunstone and the conference band, offering a rich variety of styles that reflected the breadth and diversity of the diocesan family, including intercultural worship contributions from Revd Canon Munawar Din, Vicar of St Cuthbert's in Burnley and St Luke the Evangelist in Brierfield, with Teeman Zaki, Intercultural Ministry Enabler.

Alongside serious time for study there was also time for refreshment, celebration and joy with a range of creative and unusual elements to proceedings.

Artist Julie Ann-Scott created prophetic artwork during the main sessions while actor Matt Britton brought scripture readings to life, while Christian comedian Paul Kerensa entertained delegates on Tuesday evening.

Then, on Wednesday evening, it was time for the centenary celebration party, held on the beautiful Rector's Lawn at Liverpool Hope University.

There were a range of fun activities to participate in, culminating in a fabulous silent disco led by three diocesan clergy moonlighting as DJs – Revd Anne Beverley, Revd Jason Gardner and Revd Jono Peatman!
The conference concluded on Thursday morning with a final act of worship and Eucharist led by Bishop Philip.

It has been an encouraging and inspiring conference. The lay leaders and clergy of our diocese have extraordinary dedication and commitment. I feel profoundly privileged to serve as your Bishop.

In our Diocese, and thanks to an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, we are seeing growth in numbers and generosity and we are seeing pioneering work happening in churches around our Diocese. Thank you all so much for everything you are doing in His name.

It’s been such a joy to come away with more than 350 clergy and lay leaders from across Lancashire for our centenary conference. It has been lovely to see connections made.

Thanks to everyone who participated in the conference. A personal highlight was the centenary party on the Rector’s Lawn and it was beautiful to see people from all across the Diocese enjoying their time together.

I pay particular tribute to Revd Canon Damian Platt who chaired our planning group and Canon Jean Duerden and Louise Hunter who have undergirded conference with their usual high standards of administration.

Huge thanks too for the work of Suzanne Jamieson and her team at Liverpool Hope University who went above and beyond to help and support us.

We have returned home with warm hearts, praying that the fire of His joy might bring new life in communities across the County.