Regional working class strategy consultations

“That this Synod welcome the work that has already been done to encourage the ministry of people from working class backgrounds, and request the Ministry Development Board to go further in developing a national strategy for the encouragement, development and support of vocations, lay and ordained, of people from working class backgrounds and report back to Synod to debate that strategy within 12 months.”

In February 2025 General Synod unanimously agreed the above motion (GS 2382A). In response the Ministry Development Board (MDB) is running a nationwide consultation process for leaders representing their diocese, a church network or theological training institution (TEI) to give their views about what should be included in the working-class strategy document that will be presented to General Synod for further debate in February 2026.

In conjunction the MDB has also formed an advisory group, chaired by Bishop Lynne Cullens, Bishop of Barking, to steward the consultation process.

There are six regional consultation events in total. Below are links to each separate event where you can register your place. It is hoped that most stakeholders will be able to engage with the consultation that is closest to them please be aware that any event can be registered for if that date suits better.

How to book

Please click on the relevant regional event above and follow the guidance on how to book.

If you have any questions please contact vic.wilson@churchofengland.org

Please note: The above button “Add to my library” will add this page to your Church Support Hub library but does not book you on any of the above mentioned events.