Called and Sent: Diocesan Conference 2026
July 23 - July 25
Our long-awaited diocesan conference takes place at the University of York from the 23rd to the 25th July 2026. Speakers include The Rt Revd Michael Curry, Sonia Thompson, Emily Owen, and The Rt Revd Jill Duff.
Our conference theme: Called and Sent
Our conference theme, Called and Sent, reminds us who we are and why we are here. By the Spirit, God calls each of us into life with Christ, not as spectators but as participants in his story. We are gathered to listen again to that call – to be rooted in Jesus, changed by grace, and renewed in hope. And we are sent outwards, into parishes, schools, chaplaincies, and communities, to share the good news of God’s Kingdom. To be called and sent is to live Christ’s story today – receiving his love, and sharing it with courage and compassion.
Who is invited?
All licensed and beneficed clergy, Licensed Lay Ministers (Readers), and members of the diocese’s two religious communities have been invited to stay residentially for all three days.
For Saturday, we have also invited a wide range of diocesan lay and ordained leaders, including: Mustard Seed Community Ministers, Lay Deans, employed children, families, and youth workers, clergy with Permission to Officiate (PTO), Lay Multiply Leaders, Deanery Financial Advisers (DFAs), members of Archbishop’s Council, young people and young adults.
Each deanery has also been given up to five additional places for anyone not listed above whom they would like to attend.
Diocesan and Bishopthorpe staff will be involved at various points during the conference.
If you think you should have received an invitation but have not, please email Emily Bird.
Conference Prayer
Loving God,
by your spirit you call us into life
and send us to proclaim your Kingdom in the world.
Renew the life of our diocese,
make us part of your story,
so that, called and sent, we may be more like Christ
and share his love with others.
Amen.
We are grateful to Benefact and the Archbishop of York’s discretionary fund for financially supporting the majority of conference costs.