Following consultation between the Archdeacon of Halifax, the Area Dean of Huddersfield and the Parochial Church Councils of St Stephen’s and St Philip’s, these two parishes are going to explore our future together.

The Diocese of Leeds has discussed with us the current pattern of ministry across the country, with fewer stipendiary (paid) priests being available than before. This means that very few priests have care of only one church and parish. Coupled with the capacity of the Diocesan budget, this means that our two parishes will come under the care of one full-time priest in the future. This will impact how we live out our ministry and mission in both churches and parishes. I have been asked to lead our two church communities through this period of exploration.

What this sharing will look like is not yet decided; this is a process of discerning God’s call upon us in a changing reality. There are some procedural matters that will need to be finalised – for example the future of the Benefice of Birchencliffe and Birkby is not yet formally settled, as the Church Commissioners have not yet published their final scheme for the closure of St Cuthbert’s church.

We are sharing this news with you all today so that you can share in discerning what God is calling us towards and how we can work well together. There will be a number of listening events to share your questions, concerns, visions and dreams. The first of these will be:

For St Philip’s
Coffee and Chat on Thursday 5 February, 1-3pm in the Community Centre

For St Stephen’s
Church Coffee morning Saturday 7 February, 10am-12noon at St Stephen’s Church

I will be present at both events to listen, to take your questions and thoughts, and to open up conversations about ways forward.

This period of exploration is not time limited, but we do need to move things forward appropriately. Throughout, there will be opportunities for the two church families to share in worship, prayer and food together so we can build our relationships and strengthen ways to support and strengthen each other. This is in addition to a variety of methods of listening and consultation within our church communities and out in our parishes.

Please pray for God’s guidance for us all as we explore a new model for God’s church family in our parishes.

Yours in faith
Revd. Abbie Palmer
Priest-in-Charge, St Stephen’s Church, Lindley
1 February 2026

St Stephen's aspires to be an inclusive church, celebrating and sharing the love of God, connecting with all in our community through living faith in Jesus Christ.