Serving

We are called as followers of Jesus and as Christian churches to follow Christ’s example in serving our neighbour. Serving is about transformation, changing lives and creating a different future together.

Serving is especially important in our diocese, as:

• 48% of our parishes fall within the most deprived 10% in England
• our population includes people of many cultures, faiths and languages

We seek to be present for all, speaking and acting for justice, and providing support - especially to the vulnerable, deprived, and excluded.

Locally

We serve our neighbours through local action and connecting with issues that affect God’s world.

In 2019, a national Church of England social action survey found that four in five churches in Manchester Diocese engaged in a total of 851 projects.

The survey also found that Manchester churches run, host, work in partnership with, or support in other ways, a wide range of projects.

• 65% are involved in foodbanks.
• 43% are involved in lunch clubs, coffee morning or hospitality for older people.
• 39% are active in parent and toddler groups.

Our churches’ commitment to serving diverse communities in response to local needs remains strong. You can read the full report here.

Globally

Our links with the Dioceses of Lahore (Pakistan), Tampere (Finland), and Namibia, remind us that we are part of one world. 

Our work also focuses on two issues where our choices can make a real difference to the lives of those within and beyond our communities:

• Care for God’s creation. We are an Eco Diocese and aim to embed positive environmental action into our lives.

• Trade justice as part of our commitment to being a Fairtrade Diocese.

Our Approach

Wherever possible we work in partnership locally and as a diocese. Our key partners in supporting social action projects can be found here.

We also work with local voluntary and public sector bodies, other churches and other faiths.

Our environmental and Fairtrade commitments are supported by A Rocha UK, a Christian environmental charity, Christian Aid and the Fairtrade Foundation.