The ChurchWorks Commission has named the Rt Revd Debbie Sellin, the 39th Bishop of Peterborough, as its new chair.
Bishop Debbie was installed at Peterborough in March 2024, becoming Peterborough’s first female bishop. She takes over as Chair of the ChurchWorks Commission from Bishop Philip Mounstephen, who has chaired the ChurchWorks Commission since 2024.
The ChurchWorks Commission is run by the Good Faith Partnership, to promote action between churches and with government on pressing social issues in our local communities, supporting the most vulnerable.
Good Faith Senior Director Jack Palmer-White, who leads the ChurchWorks Commission’s secretariat, said: “I’m delighted that Bishop Debbie is taking on the role of Chair at an exciting time for ChurchWorks. Her passion for the local church and experience working in the NHS and with children and families in the church will be invaluable. I would also like to thank Bishop Philip for his years chairing the ChurchWorks Commission and for contributing to the Commission’s work, which focuses on supporting people’s health wellbeing, supporting vulnerable children and families, and tackling poverty.”
Bishop Debbie said: “I am delighted to be taking on the role of Chair of ChurchWorks. Across the country, our churches are rooted in their local communities, each with its own story, calling and faithful witness walking alongside people through both the joys and challenges of life. Through ChurchWorks, we have an opportunity to bring churches, charities, public services and government together to address some of the issues that matter most to local communities.”
The ChurchWorks Commission was formed in October 2021, building on the work of a project called Your Neighbour. Since 2020, ChurchWorks has focussed its work on policy areas including social prescribing, Family Hubs and child poverty.
ChurchWorks regularly hosts online and in person events supporting more collaboration and partnerships between churches and government, including a Summit of local churches and politicians and policy makers.
On 30 September, ChurchWorks is hosting a webinar designed to help church leaders better understand the government’s Pride in Place programme.
The next regular meeting of the ChurchWorks Commissioners will be on 30 November, when Bishop Debbie will lead the group in taking forward the commission’s plan of work for 2027.
Also on 30 November, ChurchWorks is hosting a Parliamentary reception to share insights and stories from its impact report and bring representatives from churches around the country together with politicians.
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Andy Burnham wrote to the ChurchWorks Commission, saying: “I was interested to learn more about the work of the ChurchWorks Commission and its efforts to strengthen collaboration between churches, the Government and public services… Churches and faith communities are vital partners in building stronger communities and improving lives… I welcome the Commission’s … contribution to communities across the UK.”