Transformation

Durham Diocese has a vision for Transformation that will enable all our churches, parishes and people to grow in fruitfulness.

‘I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit… I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit – fruit that will last.’

John 15. 5,16

Our Transformation programme is a comprehensive, strategic vision to increase our mission, deepen in discipleship, and engage younger generations. This is a significant and exciting chapter in our journey, developed over the past three years and building on the firm foundations of our diocesan priorities.

Our diocese has a rich variety of communities – urban, rural, suburban, post-industrial, and many unique towns and villages with a strong cultural heritage. However, the people and communities of our region face a wide range of deeply challenging circumstances. Parishes in England are ranked according to the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), with more than half of Durham’s parishes in the highest 20% of most deprived parishes, and a third in the top 10%.

But there is not just economic poverty in our communities, but often a poverty of aspiration, connection, value and hope. In our churches, we know that these needs can be met in Christ Jesus, and we have an opportunity and a responsibility to share His love and the life-changing good news of the gospel in our parishes.

Sadly, many of our churches have experienced declining numbers in their worshipping community over the past decade. From 2014 to 2019 adult attendance fell by 18.9% and child attendance by 29.6%, and then Covid caused an even greater impact. Average attendance in 2023 was around 70% of the 2019 level, which reflects a steeper decline than that experienced nationally within the Church of England.

This is why there is a need for Diocesan Transformation.

As our Transformation vision is starting to take shape, we are beginning to see a shift, with attendance increasing by 1% in 2024. As more parishes engage we are excited to see how many more people will be impacted in the years to come.

Find out more about our Transformation vision here.