Upcoming events and training
CHRISTIAN NATIONALISM: HOW CAN CHURCHES RESPOND?
A HYBRID ECUMENICAL PUBLIC LECTURE HOSTED BY THE UNITED REFORMED CHURCH 24 OCTOBER, 11AM - 1 PM, METHODIST CENTRAL HALL
Let’s dive into how churches can tackle the rise of Christian Nationalism and the claim to Christian faith by the Far Right.
Christian nationalism: coming to a church near you.
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson has recently incorporated Christian nationalist themes into his political rallies after announcing a conversion to Christianity in prison. , Robinson has organized large "Unite the Kingdom" marches in London featuring Christian crosses, Bible verses, and worship songs. Speakers at these events claim that the UK was founded on Christian values and that this heritage is under threat from mass immigration and Islam.
Nigel Farage's Reform UK party sparked outrage among Christian groups in February 2026 by hosting a high-profile press conference at Church House in Westminster—the headquarters and assembly location of the Church of England.
Dr James Orr, a Cambridge academic theologian, was exposed attempting illegally to raise money for Reform through foreign donations by a Channel 4 sting operation.
There are close links between Reform and Holy Trinity Brompton (HTB).
One of our churches was recently visited by a young man who seemed to expect that he would hear a Reform-supporting Christian Nationalist sermon.
The URC has had to change the name of its magazine to Reformed to make it clear that we are not linked to Reform.
Our response
yourchurch, together with the Interfaith Committee and Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) of the United Reformed Church, is putting on a public lecture and discussion led by Revd Dr Helen Paynter, a well-known and influential expert in the field. Whether you're a church leader, member, or just curious, this event offers practical insights and open discussion. Don't miss out on connecting with others passionate about faith and society, and committed to discovering what we're called to as followers of Jesus today!
Get your ticket now!
You can join either in person or online. Attendance is free, though you’ll need an Eventbrit ticket as a security measure and for teas and coffees. There are a limited number of in-person tickets, so make sure you get yours soon! Click on the poster or scan the QR code.
Conflict Transformation Training - Brockholes Reserve - 7th Nov 2026
Deadline for booking - 9th October
These learning events are open to all
Online Advanced Safeguarding Training | 16th November 2026
To book click here. Please note you can only book one ticket at a time, if booking multiple places please have name and email addresses for all attendees.
Conflict Transformation Training - Luther King TC - 28th Nov 2026
Deadline for booking - 30th October
These learning events open to all
Conflict Transformation Training - Cumbria or Lancashire Area - TBC
Venue to be confirmed
These learning events open to all
Acorn Retreat - an hour you wont regret
Whos it for? Current Acorn Group members, people who took part in the Lent Campaign and interested spectators! Come and hear living Acorn stories from URC Churches and discover the upcoming Acorn Christmas Advent calendar campaign!
Meeting ID: 840 0524 6071
Passcode: 176238
In Person Intermediate Safeguarding Training | Bamford Chapel + Norden URC | 23rd May 2026
In Person Intermediate Safeguarding at Bamford Chapel and Norden URC
Online Advanced Safeguarding Training | 13 April 2026
To book click here. Please note you can only book one ticket at a time, if booking multiple places please have name and email addresses for all attendees.
Children’s Fun Day Saturday, March 14th, Oasis, MediaCity
For children (ages 5-11) a day of fun, games and crafts while everyone else is at the Spring Synod meeting.
Fully booked.
Online Intermediate Safeguarding Training | 11 March 2026
To book click here. Please note you can only book one ticket at a time, if booking multiple places please have name and email addresses for all attendees.
Online Combined Safeguarding Training | 11 March 2026
Click here to book via eventbrite. Please note you can only book one ticket at a time, if booking multiple places please have name and email addresses for all attendees.
Online Advanced Safeguarding Training | 4 March 2026
Click here to book via eventbrite. Please note you can only book one ticket at a time, if booking multiple places please have name and email addresses for all attendees.
Online Combined Safeguarding Training | 2 March 2026
Click here to book via eventbrite. Please note you can only book one ticket at a time, if booking multiple places please have name and email addresses for all attendees.
Clitheroe URC’s Journey to Gold
You are warmly invited to an Eco Church Workshop: Clitheroe URC’s Journey to Gold, led by Dr Isabel Lamb, the Clitheroe URC Eco Church Group, and the NW Synod’s Green Apostles.
This workshop is for churches who are:
· exploring becoming an Eco Church, or
· already an Eco Bronze Church and wishing to progress to Silver or Gold
Members of Clitheroe URC – our Gold Eco Church in the Synod – will share practical insights from their journey, including:
· what they did for each section of the Eco Church survey
· how they presented evidence
· learning along the way, with time for Q & A and shared discussion
We will also reflect on the onward journey – what life looks like after achieving Gold and how to sustain momentum.
Come along to be encouraged, inspired and supported as we care for God’s creation together.
Contact Daleen for Zoom link.
Talking about…
The first session of Talking About… in 2026 is on Wednesday, 18th February at 7pm.
Book your free place at www.bit.ly/T4lkingAbout. The session will last 1 hour – come with your experiences and questions.
Who are Generation Alpha?
Funeral Training (Online)
To book click here. Please note you can only book one ticket at a time, if booking multiple places please have name and email addresses for all attendees.
