Faith in the North

Faith in the North emerged from two years of conversations about how to celebrate the 1400th anniversary of the baptism in York by Bishop Paulinus of King Edwin, the first King of Northumbria to profess the Christian faith, in 2027.

In the lead-up to 2027, Faith in the North will encourage us to join together in prayer, help us share our stories of faith and our rich Christian heritage, and see 3,000 New Worshipping Communities across the North.

What is Faith in the North?

Faith in the North seeks to encourage a movement of prayer, storytelling and church planting inspired by the Northern Saints. It will provide resources for churches, schools and individuals to foster deeper connections with the Christian faith and renew missionary purpose.

Renewal of prayer and discipleship

• More people praying the Lord’s Prayer and living lives shaped by the vision it presents.
• Children and young people knowing and engaging with the Lord’s Prayer as a pathway to faith.
• A prayer network for church planting and revitalisation across the region.
• More people discovering a relationship with God through resources for prayer.

Renewal of storytelling

• People seeing themselves as part of the big story of Faith in the North through the centuries and encouraged and equipped to tell their story today.
• Children in schools learning the story of Faith in the North in ways which engage them in the Christian faith.
• Churches engaging with their story with fresh imagination and developing new creative approaches to mission.
• People of all ages encouraged to explore faith for themselves.

Renewal of church planting

• Churches and new worshipping communities started because of our work.
• A shared sense of identity and purpose across the Northern Province of the Church of England.
• The Northern Province as a learning community for church planting.

Pilgrimage – the focus for 2026

Throughout 2026, churches of every size and context are invited to become Pilgrim Places – locations where visitors can pause, explore, and deepen their spiritual journey. Resources are available to help with this.

Schools are also encouraged to help pupils think about pilgrimage and the Northern Saints, with resources to support, including a new song and church trail cards.