Clergy and Readers Gather for Study Days at Manchester Cathedral

On Sunday and Monday, clergy and lay Readers from across the diocese gathered at Manchester Cathedral for two days of reflection on mission and ministry.

The Revd Canon Dr Peniel Rajkumar, Theologian and Director of Global Mission from UPSG, led a powerful session on Mission from the Margins, Power, Presence and Partnership, challenging us to rethink how we respond to migration and marginalisation in our communities. Drawing on global and local themes, Peniel invited us to consider how we embody presence, accompaniment, and solidarity.

Key themes included:

• Understanding where power lies, and how we use it to make a difference.
• Avoiding the role of bystander, inspired by Rowan Williams’ reflections.
• The story of Jonah as a lens to explore the abuse of power.
• The transformative power of receiving the gifts of others.
• The ministry of incarnation – being present with those who suffer.
• Reimagining God through the lens of Jesus, as seen in the Council of Nicaea.

Peniel’s presentation was rich with thought-provoking quotes, scripture, and artwork.

Thank you to Revd Peniel for blessing us with his time and wisdom and to all who made the day possible. Thank you especially to those who made time to attend. In the midst of our diverse and demanding ministries, it’s a gift to gather, reflect, and be renewed together.