Around 175 people from across the diocese came together on 28 November for a day of learning and conversation centred around the question: ‘How are we Growing Faith at the intersection of school and church?’
The Bishop’s Study Day was attended by clergy, lay leaders, specialist educators, and head teachers from some of the diocese’s Church of England schools.
The morning began with a worship performance by children from All Saints Church of England Primary School in Wigston, singing songs about our God given identity, which they’d explored through a project with the national charity, iSingPOP.
The performance introduced one of the key themes of the day - the value of listening to the voices of children and young people and the importance of including them in our conversations about faith and the future of the Church.
Bishop Martyn picked up this theme in his opening address, explaining that while childhood has been downplayed or ignored in many cultures historically, children bring a unique perspective and message from God, reflected in Jesus’ own attitude towards children.
Two of the day’s five guest speakers shared the profound way they’ve heard school children explore and express faith through their work.
Tobi Omoloso, from the Growing Faith Foundation, quoted a child she had worked with saying, "Just because young people aren't coming to church doesn't mean they're not religious."
RE Advisor, Lat Blaylock, has gathered many reflections of faith from children through his RE teaching and the Spirited Arts competition he has been running for two decades, which encourages school children to explore spirituality and faith through creative expression. He is convinced that if asked the right questions and properly listened to, children can offer us incredible insights.
Reflecting on the day, Matt Long, Youth Engagement & Intergenerational Communities Enabler for the diocese, said: “The headline for me, was the importance of listening to young voices.
“Children and young people are made in the image of God. Children and young people encounter God in the everyday. Children and young people can do theology! They are the church now, and we need to get better at meeting them where they are.”
Matt’s own work on ‘listening’, initiated through the Bishop’s Children and Youth Council, was also highlighted.
Many of the day’s speakers shared exciting and creative examples of how schools and churches are working together, and how conversations about faith are enriching the school environment.
Natasha Boyce, RE Teacher at the Winstanley School in Braunstone, spoke about how initiatives like Prayer Spaces and creative projects such as holding a mock wedding have given the church meaningful ways to connect with staff and students in this secular school.
Fiona Brook, Head of Hope Hamilton CofE Primary School, talked about the close relationship they have with Hope Hamilton Church, who meet on the same premises, and how a shared vision with the church to ‘Love one another’ (John 15:12) has helped sustain a deep sense of belonging and investment in the school and the local community.
Nadine Weedall spoke from her experience as a SEND Chaplain and highlighted some great organisations churches can connect with as they offer support to schools, such as Transforming Lives for Good (TLG), Care of the Family, and Growing Hope.
Nadine also offered a reminder that education for all is a Christian phenomenon, catalysed by the work of Joshua Watson in the 1800s.
The study day was an exceptional opportunity for church and school leaders in the diocese to gather together and share learning.
Carolyn Shoyer, Diocesan Director of Education, found the day incredibly hopeful. She said: “Those teaching us today reminded me how our schools and churches are both working towards the same goal of building healthy communities.
“I was inspired hearing about churches and schools who have developed deep relationships that go beyond the ‘vicar and headteacher’ and I hope both church leaders and school staff have been encouraged by how enriching these relationships can be.”