On Thursday 12 March, Clergy and Licensed Lay Ministers (LLMs) gathered at St Michael’s, Stoke Gifford, for a Bishops’ Study Day, taking an opportunity to pause, reflect and reconnect during the season of Lent.
The day was hosted by Bishop Neil, alongside the Diocesan Mission and Ministry team, and created space for the 70 clergy and LLMs in attendance to spend time together in community outside of the rhythms of parish life.
The guest speaker, Revd Canon Professor James Woodward of Sarum College, offered a series of thought‑provoking sessions exploring the various roles of theology in ministry. He encouraged participants to consider theology as a road that leads somewhere, a bridge that connects, or a well from which we draw deeply, before inviting them to reflect on the kind of theology they value most in their own practice.
Revd Canon Dr Simon Taylor, Diocesan Director of Mission & Ministry Support, said:
“It was a real treat to have the opportunity to stop, think and reflect. James gave us a wealth of insight, asked some challenging questions, and encouraged us to linger in the spaces in-between. It was good to spend time with colleagues from across the diocese and to have opportunities to talk and share fellowship as we journey together through Lent.”