From 29 September to 1 October, around 120 clergy from across the Diocese gathered at the Hayes Conference Centre in Swanick for the 2026 Clergy Conference. This year's event was centred around the theme ‘A wealth of generosity’, taken from 2 Corinthains 8, and featured three talks exploring different areas of generosity alongside space for worship, prayer and other activities.
The conference begun with a service in the chapel before Theologian Canon Dr Claire Gilbert delivered the first talk. Drawing on her expertise in public, medical and environmental ethics, she explored the theme of Generous Spirituality. Reflecting on the writings of Julian of Norwich, the challenges of the climate crisis, and her own experience of cancer.
The following day, Prof. Anthony Reddie, theologian, author and Professor of Black Theology at the University of Oxford, delivered the second talk on the theme of Generous Hospitality. Drawing on the experiences of those who have often found themselves excluded or marginalised, he challenged attendees to reflect on their own understanding and practice of hospitality.
Following the session, delegates enjoyed a range of optional activities, including football, board games, photography and a walk to nearby Repton. The walking group even found themselves featured on a YouTube channel as they made a pilgrimage to the historic Anchor Church Caves.
On the final day, Bishop Neil encouraged delegates to consider what it means to be generous both to themselves and to those around them in ministry. The conference concluded with a closing Eucharist, after which participants returned to their parishes.
The Revd Canon Dr Simon Taylor, Director of Mission and Ministry Support and Deputy Diocesan Secretary, said:
“The clergy conference gathered clergy from across the Diocese from different kinds of ministry and different theological perspectives to worship, listen, speak, eat, and socialise together. As we explored the theme of generosity, it was evident that there was a spirit of generosity among those present. Overall, the conference was valued and appreciated by those present, and we are grateful to all who took part. Our prayer throughout was that God would “Make us generous people, grateful for what we have received and openhanded in sharing with others, so that we might serve your people as ministers of your Gospel.”
As part of their exploration of generosity, the group brought food to give to a local foodbank and, during their time together, heard testimonies from clergy around the diocese about how generosity is experienced in their lives and ministries.