Dear Clergy Colleagues 

The conference planning team look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring and refreshing time at the Clergy Conference this September. 

This year's conference reflects the Diocesan Vision - Transformed by Christ: Prayerful, Pastoral, Prophetic. It is designed to uplift and equip us as we continue our mission and ministry. We have organised a range of speakers and events that we hope will encourage and refresh you. 

What to expect 

Our speakers 

Jim Walters: Prayerful 

James Walters is founding director of the LSE Faith Centre and LSE Religion and Global Society Research Unit. He is a Professor in Practice in the Department of International Relations and Chaplain to the School. Professor Walters' books include Loving Your Neighbour in an Age of Religious Conflict (2019), Religion and the Public Sphere: New Conversations (2018) and A Christian Theology of Chaplaincy (2018). He is a Canon Theologian at Chichester Cathedral.

Ben Quash: Pastoral 

Ben Quash has been Professor of Christianity and the Arts at King’s College London since 2007 and is Director of the Centre for Arts and the Sacred at King’s (ASK). Prior to that he was Dean and Fellow of Peterhouse, Cambridge. He runs a collaborative MA in Christianity and the Arts with the National Gallery in London, and is also Canon Theologian of both Coventry and Bradford Cathedrals. 

Sharon Grenham-Thompson: Prophetic 

Sharon Grenham-Thompson is Rector of the benefice of Rattlesden, Brettenham, Hitcham and Thrope Morieux in Suffolk. For 8 years she was a full time chaplain, and is also a broadcaster for BBC Radio, a writer, retreat leader and Pastoral Supervisor.

Damilola Makinde: Bible study 

Damilola is the Evangelical Alliance's advocacy engagement lead. Her background spans law, public policy, preaching, and worship leading. Damilola is originally from London but having grown up within a Nigerian diaspora in Ireland, her experience of tri-cultural heritage has contributed to the powerful and prophetic voice she holds today. 

Zeb Soanes: after dinner speaker 

Zeb presents Relaxing Evenings with Zeb Soanes on Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station. For over 20 years he was an authoritative newsreader and reassuring voice of the Shipping Forecast on BBC Radio 4. He presents concerts with the UK’s leading orchestras and is the author of the bestselling Gaspard the Fox series of books. Zeb’s father was for several years a Methodist minister in a joint ecumenical project in the Diocese of Norwich at Norton Subcourse. 

Conference Fringe Events (workshops)

In addition to the plenary sessions with our speakers, there will also be plenty of opportunity to choose what activities and options you wish to be part of. The options are deliberately broad. Some will need booking in advance and more information on this will follow soon. Here's a taster of what is available - the full fringe programme will follow.

‘I’m looking for fun, active activities’ 

• Horstead Centre, Canoeing and Archery 
• Norwich paddle boarding

‘I’m looking for input on mission and ministry’

• Diocesan strategy workshop
• Parish communications
• Preaching workshop
• Children and families ministry workshop  

‘I’m looking for quiet reflection, wellbeing and learning’ 

• Pilgrimage to Mousehold Heath
• Personal reflection time
• Book Club with Archdeacon Keith 
• Beekeeping talk 

‘I’m looking for an historic tour’ 

• Historic library at Norwich Cathedral 
• Triforium tour at Norwich Cathedral 
• Bishop’s House Garden tour

‘I’m looking for a creative workshop’ 

• RSCM: song school 
• Choir: singing together, no experience needed 
• Drumming: drum together, no experience needed 
• Rockland Barn: Artistic event (off site) 

Available on site 

• Chaplaincy 
• Wellbeing 
• Parish Support Team 

Ideas of what to do in Norwich (more to follow in next communication)

• Walk by the river 
• Anteros Arts Centre 
• Visit the historic market 
• Visit the Castle 
• Sainsbury Centre, Art exhibition 
• Canoeing on the Wensum river. 

Opportunities for Fellowship 

Connect with fellow clergy from across the diocese, share experiences, and build supportive relationships. 

Time for Reflection and Prayer 

Dedicated spaces and sessions for worship, prayer and personal reflection. 

Food and Accommodation 

You should have received an email regarding accommodation from Sophie Bell. Once we have heard back from everyone, we will send more details regarding hotels and rooms. 

If you haven’t responded to the email asking whether or not you require accommodation, please respond as a matter of urgency. 

Outline Timings of Conference 

Day 1: Monday 22 September 2025 

• 12.30pm Arrivals, registration and informal lunch 
• 1.30pm Opening Eucharist and Address with Bishop Graham
• 3.00pm Bible Study 
• 4.15pm Key note address: Prophetic; Sharon Grenham-Thompson 
• 5.30pm Evensong at Norwich Cathedral
• 7.00pm Pub/Restaurant meals with senior staff 

Day 2: Tuesday 23 September 2025 

• 10am Opening Worship 
• 10.30am Bible Study 
• 11.45am: Key note address: Pastoral; Ben Quash 
• 12.45pm Lunch 
• 2.00pm Afternoon activities, including off site. A choice of activities from 2.00pm-3.30pm and 3.30-4.30pm. 
• 5.30pm Evensong and alternative evening worship options around the city. 
• 7.00pm Conference Dinner in the Cathedral nave with musical entertainment and guest speaker Zeb Soanes. 

Day 3 Wednesday 24 September 2025 

• 10am Morning Worship 
• 10.30am Bible study 
• 11.45am Key note address: Prayerful; Jim Walters 
• 12.45pm Picnic lunch 
• 2.00pm Afternoon activities. A choice of activities from 2.00pm-3.00pm and 3.30-4.30pm. 
• 4.30pm Concluding plenary 
• 5.30pm Festal Evensong and sending out 

Details and Registration 

Dates: Monday 22 to Wednesday 24 September 2025 

Venue: Norwich Cathedral and city venues 

Registration if not already completed: Clergy Conference 2025

Cost: The Conference is provided free. For travel and parking, please claim any expenses from your PCC which is a legitimate expense as per the Guidance for Clergy document on page 5 : Guidance and Policies for Clergy - Diocese of Norwich

Parking: There is limited parking available in the Close, only for those with additional access needs. General parking can be found at: St Helen's Wharf, Rose Lane, St Andrew's, Castle Quarter.

Finally

We genuinely believe this conference will be a valuable and enriching experience for all who attend, offering both practical support and spiritual nourishment. We look forward to welcoming you in September.

Every blessing, 

The Very Revd Andrew Braddock, Dean of Norwich 

Diocese of Norwich

www.dioceseofnorwich.org