Representatives from across the Major Churches Network met at Bishopthorpe Palace yesterday to hear more about Faith in the North and its focus on pilgrimage throughout 2026. The gathering included leaders from 22 churches, spanning minsters, market towns, and inner-city communities.
In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in pilgrimage, with more people taking time out of the ordinary rhythms to think about their journey, seeking special places that offer space to pause, pray and explore deeper questions of meaning, hope and faith. In response, Faith in the North is encouraging churches to consider becoming a ‘Pilgrim Place’, offering that quiet contemplative space that so many are seeking.
The mission opportunities presented by choral ministry among children, young people, and families were also discussed, highlighting initiatives such as Sing My Soul and Choir Church.
Hilary Barber, national chair of the Major Churches Network said: “It’s been great to gather people from across the network today. We’ve heard about the opportunity for churches of all sizes to become Pilgrim Places as a way of reaching out in mission. Churches, in whatever their context, rural or urban, are always seeking to develop and grow, and the resources from Faith in the North are a great way of helping this. Today has also given church leaders time to discuss the opportunities and challenges they face, encouraging and supporting each other as they serve the Church of God.”
The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, opened the gathering with a prayer. In his address, he said: “I don’t want major churches to thrive because they are more important — I want them to thrive so that the whole ecosystem of the Church can flourish. Renewal so often comes from the edge, from quiet faithfulness and unseen prayer, but when every part of the body is valued and supported, we are stronger together in God’s mission to change the world. The Church is an ecosystem made up of diverse communities, both large and small and everything in between, and we need one another. As in the natural world, an ecosystem thrives through diversity, and so does the Body of Christ.”
To access free resources and to sign up to become a Pilgrim Place, visit faithinthenorth.org.
