Planning for the Future of Religious Archives

Downside Abbey, Abbey Church of St. Gregory the Great

In June of this year, Dr Simon Johnson and Dr Jonathan Bush spoke at the Conference of Religious Archives and Legacy Planning Workshop in Birmingham, where they shared a vision for a centralised repository of religious institutes’ archives, to be stored and made accessible at Downside Abbey.

This initiative is vital for preserving the rich and diverse history of religious life for future researchers, while ensuring that each institute’s unique charism continues to inspire and evangelise future generations.

Whether your institute is approaching completion or just beginning to consider its archival legacy, we urge you to start planning now. Too many archives have already been lost due to last-minute decisions, particularly as there are so few alternative repository options.

If you are willing to support the establishment of this central repository — whether through collaboration, contribution, or conversation — please do get in touch to find out more.

Dr Simon Johnson
Director, Downside Abbey General Trust
SPJohnson@downsideabbey.co.uk

Dr Jonathan Bush
Vice-Chair, Catholic Archives Society
jonathan.bush@durham.ac.uk