CoR AGM 2026: New Realities, Challenges and Possibilities: Migration, Asylum, Refugees and Trafficking — Their Impact on Our Mission
Conference of Religious England and Wales (CoREW)
Annual General Meeting for Leaders 2026
New Realities, Challenges and Possibilities:
Migration, Asylum, Refugees and Trafficking — Their Impact on Our Mission.
Date: Wednesday 6th May – Tuesday 7th May 2026
Location: Highgate House Conference Centre, Northamptonshire
Facilitated by: Jo Kennedy
Minutes Prepared By: CoR Secretariat
The AGM was opened by Sr Anne Morris DHS and Sr Monica Matthews SHCJ, who welcomed members and introduced the AGM theme: New Realities, Challenges and Possibilities: Migration, Asylum, Refugees and Trafficking — Their Impact on Our Mission. Fr Gladson Dabre OSA led the opening prayer.
Throughout the two days members received presentations and reflections from Archbishop Richard Moth, Ben Ryan (Medaille Trust), Liam Allmark (Jesuit Refugee Service), Sr Christine Frost FCJ and Dr Toni Pyke (AMRI). Presentations and group discussions explored issues relating to migration, asylum, trafficking, poverty, safeguarding and the prophetic role of Religious Life.
Members reflected on the realities facing refugees, migrants and victims of trafficking, together with the importance of maintaining a visible and compassionate witness in today’s social and political climate. Members also shared practical responses already taking place across congregations, including safe houses, refugee support, prison ministry, education, fundraising, advocacy and prayer initiatives.
Group discussions highlighted the importance of collaboration, advocacy and maintaining a strong collective voice in support of refugees, migrants and victims of trafficking. There was also reflection on the importance of local action, lobbying, partnership working and continuing to work alongside organisations including Medaille Trust and Jesuit Refugee Service.
David Marett presented the CoREW Annual Trustee’s Report and Accounts. Members formally received and accepted the Annual Report and Accounts.
Amanda Francis gave a presentation on the independent examination of charity accounts and outlined the proposed new financial inspection procedure. Members accepted the proposed new procedure and approach moving forward.
Sr Anne Morris DHS and Sr Monica Matthews SHCJ presented CoR’s strategic priorities and goals for 2026–2029, noting the importance of forward planning, governance, safeguarding, collaboration and supporting members in mission.
Following the presentation, Sr Anne Morris DHS acknowledged that Sr Monica Matthews SHCJ would be stepping down from the Executive Board. Sincere thanks were given for her dedication, commitment, leadership and many years of service to CoR. Sr Monica was presented with flowers and a gift in appreciation of her contribution. Special mention and thanks were also given to Gerard Gallagher of AMRI and Bishop Alan Williams.
Members received safeguarding updates from Sr Una Coogan CJ, including reflections on the Strategic Council for Catholic Safeguarding and the importance of ensuring the voice of Religious continues to be represented within safeguarding structures.
Reports were also received from:
The Collaboration Committee
The Inter-congregational Support Group Project
The Health and Care Forums and Workshops initiative.
Sr Margaret Donovan HC presented the Executive Board ratifications and endorsement of the current leadership model. Members endorsed the continuation of the current leadership structure and approved Sr Anne Sullivan SP beginning a further one-year term on the Executive.
The AGM concluded with a panel discussion involving Dani Wardman (Medaille Trust), Sr Patricia Mulhall CSB, Dr Toni Pyke, Sr Monica Matthews SHCJ, Sr Anne Morris DHS and Susan Thomas.
Discussion reflected on migration, trafficking, safeguarding, social justice and the prophetic role of Religious Life, together with opportunities for greater collaboration, advocacy and practical action moving forward.
The AGM concluded with thanks and farewells from Sr Anne Morris DHS and Sr Monica Matthews SHCJ.
Documents and slides available to view or download: