In a divided society, how can churches act for the Common Good?

Together for the Common Good in association with the Priory Church of Bolton Abbey warmly invites you to an Action Retreat: Building the Common Good in Yorkshire.

A day at the beginning of Lent to reflect on the Gospel-centred mission of Christians and churches in building the Common Good in our communities, to review our social action and forge new links

• For ordained and lay people in Christian leadership roles across all church traditions.
• From 11am - 3pm. Tea and coffee from 10.30am.
• In the Boyle Room, by the Priory Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert, Bolton Abbey, Skipton, BD23 6AL
• Cost: £25 per person including a two course hot lunch
• Places are limited to 30
• For contributors, please see below.

This one-day Action Retreat acts as a catalyst to enable Christian leaders in Yorkshire to reflect together and

• see how the Christian vision of the Common Good can refresh mission 

• discover how the Gospel-centred practice of the Common Good acts as an antidote to the culture of individualism and helps us tackle the causes of social division
• explore the ‘vocational responsibilities’ of our churches and organisations, to review our social action and our role alongside friends and partners in strengthening civil society
• act as a catalyst for new connections and practical steps to take forward together
• pray together and enjoy a two-course hot lunch

Who is this for?

This is for people in Christian leadership roles across all traditions as well as within Christian charities and organisations, lay and ordained. The day aims to bring together people across a diversity of opinion, background and experience.

Who is leading the day?

• The day will be facilitated by Jenny Sinclair founder-director of Together for the Common Good
• There will be short informal contributions by special guests: Liz Firth Dialogue and Communications Advisor at The Linking Network; Erica Dunmow Chair of Trustees, Urban Theology Union; John Battle Chair, Justice and Peace Commission, Diocese of Leeds.
• The event is kindly hosted by the Revd Nicholas Mercer Rector of the Priory Church of Bolton Abbey.

About Together for the Common Good (T4CG)

We are a charity helping people across the churches play their part to strengthen the bonds of social trust. T4CG's work equips Christians of all traditions to fulfil their unique vocational responsibility by putting Gospel-centred Common Good principles into practice.

We bridge the divide that is often perceived between the proclamation of the Gospel and social justice/social action. We help churches keep true to mission while strengthening their engagement within communities, especially with the most vulnerable.

At this time of social fragmentation, political upheaval and environmental challenge, trust between and within communities is under great strain. Civil society institutions have been weakened, our social fabric is threatened, and the fallout affects the most disadvantaged communities. T4CG encourages people across the churches to discern their calling and to work with others of different opinions and backgrounds in shared purpose to build up civil society.

There is a pressing need for the churches to step up: there is a distinctive and constructive contribution to be made. Churches are well placed to play a key role at local level in the great task of national renewal, and many are already making an extraordinary difference. But with society undergoing rapid change, new and creative approaches are needed.

T4CG's resources enable the Christian vision of the Common Good to be developed and practised. We have training workshops for church leaders and individuals, and a programme for schools. We also give talks and run sessions, hold public debates and produce publications and online resources.

Relationship building is at the heart of the way we work. We are a small team partnering with many people, churches, dioceses and organisations. We intentionally work interdenominationally, as well as with allies from fellow faith and non-religious traditions. We are volunteer-driven, non-partisan, and our inspiration is rooted in the partnership between church leaders in Liverpool a generation ago.

Find out more at www.togetherforthecommongood.co.uk