About Us

The "Mother" church of the town of Haslingden, St James' is the most prominent building in the town. With a history going back to the 12th Century it provides a spectacular backdrop to the development of the community of Haslingden.

We are an inclusive and welcoming community of Christians who seek to serve the local community and to maintain the worship of the Church. St James is part of the Inclusive Church network and abides by it's Vision Statement:

“We believe in inclusive church – a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate.

We will continue to challenge the church where it continues to discriminate against people on grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.

We believe in a Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ.”

The church has active discipleship and social groups as well as a programme of events aimed at fostering positive relationships within the community and, occasionally, fundraising for good causes.

The two church schools, St James' Haslingden and St John's, Stonefold, are well integrated into church life and supported by the wider congregation through a variety of means.

St James' has a strong choral and organ musical tradition and a full ring of bells.