CoR Gathers Members and Colleagues to Oppose Assisted Dying Bill

CoR members and colleagues meet via Zoom to discuss opposition to the Assisted Dying Bill

Following the Conference of Religious England and Wales (CoR) AGM 2025, where over 70 leaders of religious congregations gathered and expressed a united stance against the Assisted Dying Bill, members have continued to come together in shared discernment and solidarity.

Today, CoR members met for an online forum to continue the conversation around this pressing issue. In a spirit of inclusivity and collaboration, the meeting was also open to lay colleagues. The invitation was extended to members, those they live and work with, and their wider networks, recognising that the Assisted Dying Bill, if passed, would have significant implications not only for Religious but also for those they work with and care for. 

Coming together in this way offered a valuable space to share concerns, reflect on developments, and explore how religious and lay partners can use their collective voice most effectively in the public arena.

The forum allowed participants to deepen their understanding of the current legislative context and to discuss practical ways to advocate for a culture that upholds the dignity and value of life at every stage. It also provided an opportunity to strengthen bonds between congregations supporting one another in prayer, action, and public witness.

This ongoing engagement reflects the commitment of CoR members and their colleagues to standing together on matters of moral and social concern. As the national conversation around assisted dying continues, the voices of religious women and men—and their lay partners—remain united in affirming life and compassionate care over legislative change.

Looking ahead, congregations are continuing to write to their MPs and to raise awareness within their communities. Many also plan to attend a peaceful protest in London on 20th June, organised by Christian Concern. Further details are available on the CoR website. Recognising that not everyone will be able to travel to the capital, others are encouraged to take a stand wherever they are in the country, through prayer, local witness, or symbolic acts of solidarity at the same time as the London event.

CoR will continue to facilitate opportunities for members and their colleagues to meet, reflect, and act together on this and other critical issues. The regular online Care Forum, being held on 25th June 2025, will offer a follow-up opportunity to consider the outcome of the debate and potential vote in Parliament on 20th June.

Explore Upcoming Events at the FCJ Centre for Spirituality and EcoJustice

The FCJ Centre in Euston is offering a wide and inspiring programme of events this summer, both in person and online. From spiritual retreats and environmental reflection to community action and creative prayer, the programme invites individuals and groups to engage deeply with faith, justice, and creation.

Highlights include:

• Revisiting Laudato Si’ – Marking 10 years of this prophetic encyclical (7 June)

• Braiding Sweetgrass – An evening of reflection on our connection with the Earth (13 June)

• Refugee Week Vigil – A witness of prayer outside the Home Office (16 June)

• Online Evening Retreat – Exploring the “I Am” sayings of Jesus through poetry and image (26 June)

• Circle Dance & Prayer – A day of movement and meditation (19 July)

• Young Adult Network Walk – A chance to connect with others and nature (20 July)

• National Justice & Peace Network Conference – Attend all or part of this key gathering (25–27 July)

📩 The full list of events can be found in the FCJ Centre’s June 2025 newsletter:
👉 View the newsletter here

📰 To receive future updates directly from the FCJ Centre, sign up for their newsletter:
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These events offer a rich opportunity to engage with themes of spirituality, community, and social justice. Do explore and share with anyone who might be interested.

Residential Property Sought for Religious Community

A religious congregation is currently seeking a residential property within London, nearby surrounding areas, or Brighton. The property should have a minimum of 6 rooms and be appropriate for community life.

If you are aware of any suitable properties or would like to discuss this further, please contact the Secretariat via communications@corew.org.

Conference of Religious AGM 2025: Religious Leaders Unite in Synodal Leadership and Oppose the Assisted Dying Bill

Over 80 leaders of religious congregations gathered last week in Northamptonshire for the 2025 Conference of Religious England and Wales (CoR) Annual General Meeting, held under the theme “Synodal Leadership – Forward Thinking – Outward Facing.” The two-day gathering featured keynote input from Sr Maria Cimperman RSCJ and included space for deep reflection, listening, and shared discernment.

Members explored priorities such as synodal leadership, increasing diversity, nurturing new leadership, and strengthening the collective voice of religious in the Church and wider society.

As part of the gathering, attendees expressed their united opposition to the Assisted Dying Bill, standing together in support of life and dignity at every stage, and exploring ways to respond collectively as people of faith.

The AGM concluded with a renewed commitment to synodality, inclusivity, and collaborative leadership—affirming the enduring value of religious life in service of Gospel witness and social justice.

Shepherds Law News

The June 2025 edition of Shepherds Law News brings the latest updates from the Hermitage, including news on recent building progress, hospitality plans, and a look ahead to October’s Monastic Week.

Highlights include:

• Buildings and Hospitality: The new cloister building is now complete, with further work underway on guest accommodation and renewable energy systems.

• Looking Ahead: The next Monastic Week is scheduled for 19th–24th October 2025.

To stay connected with life at the Hermitage, please visit shepherdslawhermitage.org.

To view and read the full newsletter, click here.

Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality (CACS) Summer Summit and Summer school

Exploring the Spiritual Legacy of Saint Thérèse – Spirituality Summit 2025

The Carmelite Spirituality Summit returns in 2025 with a special two-day gathering on 11–12 July, marking the 100th anniversary of the canonisation of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Taking place at the peaceful Carmelite Priory in Oxford, with the option to attend online, this year’s theme focuses on Living in Hope: The Spirituality of Saint Thérèse.

The summit will feature renowned speakers, including Dr. Susan Muto, who will reflect on Thérèse’s enduring message of hope, and Fr. Vincent O’Hara, OCD, exploring her personal struggles with faith and how they resonate today.

Attendees will benefit from inspiring keynote talks, interactive workshops, and panel discussions, all designed to deepen understanding of Saint Thérèse’s “little way” and its relevance for modern spiritual seekers. Moments of shared reflection and prayer will also create space for personal growth and community connection.

Whether attending in person or online, participants will find the summit a rich opportunity for spiritual nourishment and renewal.

Event Details:

• Dates: 11–12 July 2025

• Location: Carmelite Priory, Boars Hill, Oxford OX1 5HB, UK / Online

• More Info & Registration: carmelite.uk.net

Deepen Your Spiritual Journey at the 2025 Summer School with Dr. Susan Muto

The Centre for Applied Carmelite Spirituality is pleased to announce its annual Summer School, featuring esteemed scholar Dr. Susan Muto. This enriching five-day seminar will take place from July 14 to 18, 2025, at the serene Carmelite Priory in Boars Hill, Oxford.​

Event Highlights:

• In-Depth Exploration of Teresian Spirituality: Delve into the teachings of St. Teresa of Ávila, the renowned Carmelite mystic and first female Doctor of the Church, focusing on her seminal work, The Way of Perfection.​

• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the insights of Dr. Susan Muto, Dean of the Epiphany Academy of Formative Spirituality and author of over forty books on Christian spirituality.​

• Comprehensive Programme: Engage in spiritual accompaniment, guided prayer, silence, and peaceful contemplation designed to nurture the whole person—body, mind, soul, and spirit.​

Moreover, attendees will have the unique opportunity to celebrate the Solemnity of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with the Carmelite Friars during their visit.​

Event Details:

• Dates: July 14–18, 2025​

• Location: Carmelite Priory, Boars Hill, Oxford OX1 5HB, UK​

• Registration: Secure your place by booking before June 1, 2025.​

For more information and to register, please visit: carmelite.uk.net

CoREW Welcomes the Election of Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV - Tiziana Fabi/AFP via Getty Images

The Conference of Religious England and Wales (CoREW) warmly welcomes the election of Pope Leo XIV. We believe his global experience will have a positive impact on his leadership of the Catholic Church in these difficult times.

He has witnessed first hand the struggles that our sisters and brothers are experiencing. We are confident he will be a voice and inspiration for all people.

We join in prayer for him as he continues the challenging task of enabling the Church to listen to the Spirit moving across the world and proclaim the Gospel in a way that speaks to our present age.

Seeking Accommodation for New Missional Community in London

The Missionary Sisters for Polish Migrants are looking to establish a new missional community in the Islington area of London. They are currently seeking accommodation for two Sisters, either in a flat or in a convent located in or near Islington, or within a 30-minute journey by Tube.

If you are able to assist or would like to find out more, please contact the CoR secretariat at 020 3255 1085 or communications@corew.org, and we will be happy to direct your enquiry to the appropriate contact.

Better Together Group

Douai Abbey

The Better Together group is open to anyone, lay or religious, who is involved in supporting Religious Communities caring for the sick and elderly, either within their communities or in their own nursing/care homes. The group is hosted on Zoom by Dr Karen Groves and Queenscourt Hospice, Southport. Most members are either part of religious communities or healthcare professionals who work alongside them. Once a year, the group meets in person for a couple of days.

In April, the group was blessed to be hosted by Douai Abbey (and by fine weather!). This year’s theme was The Heart of Healthcare, with speakers leading sessions on spiritual distress, cardiac health, listening skills, spiritual care for the frail in community, and the link between Catholic teaching and mutual support for well-being. For evening entertainment, the group watched the film Patch Adams. Members also joined the Douai Community for Mass and the Divine Office, and enjoyed the delicious food and other comforts of the Guest House. Particular thanks were given to Brother Christopher for hosting, to Fr Alex the Guest Master, to Brother Aidan for leading a walk, and to Fr Geoffrey for a wonderful tour of the archives.

Anyone interested in joining the group can email Lorna Chamberlain at education@queenscourt.org.uk. Those wishing to explore the group can attend a meeting to see if they would like to become regular members. Meetings take place at 8 am on a Thursday morning once a month, last exactly one hour, and cover different themes requested, and usually led, by members.

Douai Abbey

In Memoriam: His Holiness Pope Francis

It is with deep sorrow that the Conference of Religious in England and Wales joins the Church and the global Catholic community in mourning the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.

Pope Francis's life was a profound witness to the Gospel, marked by a deep commitment to justice, peace, and the dignity of all people. His leadership, humility, and unwavering faith were an inspiration to countless religious and lay people around the world.

We give thanks for his life and ministry, and we hold him in our prayers with gratitude and love. May he know the fullness of God’s peace and the eternal embrace of Christ, whom he served so faithfully.

Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord,
and let perpetual light shine upon him.
May he rest in peace. Amen.

Operation Noah CST Toolkit and Webinar Series

New Resource & Webinar Series: Catholic Social Teaching and Investing

Operation Noah is pleased to share a new toolkit, Catholic Social Teaching and Investing in Climate Solutions, a guide for Catholic organisations seeking to align their investments with CST. This practical resource supports responsible financial stewardship in the context of the climate crisis.

To explore this with other Catholic investors, join the lunchtime webinar series starting on Tuesday, 29th April 2025 at 1pm BST and learn how CST can inform impactful climate investments.

Download the toolkit and register for the webinars here: https://www.operationnoah.org/catholic-social-teaching-toolkit/

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales Spirituality Consultation Day “Living the Charism Today for Lay Spirituality”

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales is hosting a Spirituality Consultation Day titled “Living the Charism Today for Lay Spirituality” on Thursday, 19 June 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 3:45 p.m., at the Redemptorist Monastery in Clapham, London.

This special day of reflection and dialogue will explore the rich spiritual wisdom of the Benedictine, Carmelite, Dominican, and Jesuit traditions. Through a series of engaging talks, attendees will be invited to reflect on how these charisms can inspire and support lay people in their spiritual lives today.

The event is free of charge, with donations gratefully received. Tea and coffee will be available throughout the day, and participants are encouraged to bring a packed lunch.

Venue: Redemptorist Monastery, 8 Clapham Park Road, Clapham, London, SW4 7AP (Nearest tube station: Clapham Common)

Booking: Places can be reserved via Eventbrite

This consultation day offers a unique opportunity to deepen one’s understanding of lay spirituality through the lens of time-honoured Catholic traditions.

The Briery Preached Retreats & 2025 Programme

The Briery is a place of spiritual renewal, where those who come can find God in an atmosphere of love, prayer, healing and peace. Where all are valued, encouraged to discover their gifts and challenged to use them in the service of others. Where the poor, the suffering and the lonely can experience the power of the cross and Resurrection in Christ.

Explore what’s on offer by reviewing the 2025 Programme or visiting their website.

Boarbank Hall Programme of Residential Events

The Sisters at Boarbank Hall are offering a full programme of residential events for the first time since the pandemic. Several of these may be of particular interest to Religious Brothers and Sisters.

The programme includes opportunities to rejoice in the beauty of God’s creation. Two Wings and Some Prayers: A Birdwatching Retreat (12th–17th May) introduces birdsong for beginners, led by Sr Margaret Atkins and Dr Margaret Phillips. Celebrating Creation: The Joy of Limits (27th–31st May or 4th–10th October) is guided by Sr Margaret Atkins and John Paul de Quay of the Ecological Conversion Group. Both retreats include trips out, walks, talks, and practical engagement with the natural world.

For those interested in learning Latin through prayers and Scripture, Our Lady in Latin (18th–20th/21st July) and Magnificat! (24th–26th/27th October) offer an engaging and enjoyable way to study and sing Latin using familiar texts. These sessions are taught by Alison Samuels, a highly experienced Latin teacher.

A deep dive into St Augustine’s Confessions (18th–22nd August) provides an opportunity to explore this classic text in greater detail, with Sr Margaret Atkins offering guidance throughout. This may be of particular interest to communities with Augustinian roots.

All courses take place in the comfortable Guest House at Boarbank Hall, set in extensive grounds overlooking Morecambe Bay. Participants are welcome to join the Community for Mass and the sung Daily Office.

For more information, see https://boarbankhall.org.uk/whats-on/ or email Sr Margaret Atkins on margaret@boarbankhall.org.uk

The Heart of Health: Putting the Heart Back into Healthcare

A group of Catholics involved in healthcare policy and practice, local politics, and theology has begun a project entitled ‘The Heart of Health: Putting the Heart Back into Healthcare.’

The project aims to use the Church’s practical and theoretical resources to shift both the debate and shared practices around healthcare. Specifically, it seeks to help people care for their physical, emotional, and spiritual health and resilience by fostering, extending, and linking existing church, healthcare, and other local communities. This effort is focused on building networks for personal mutual support, with an emphasis on the inclusion of those living in material and social poverty.

The project is inspired by various existing examples and is illuminated by the Church’s rich understanding of human beings as spiritual persons in community, endowed with dignity, freedom, and agency. It is grounded in the belief that people are made for mutual loving relationships and lives of purpose and hope.

The political benefits of this project and approach are seen in the following ways:

1. Nearly all the ways of staying healthy and happy are cheap or free, yet health services are in constant financial need.

2. People need support to follow these healthy ways of living.

3. Building supportive local communities can unite people across political divides, avoiding polarization by honouring the left’s concern for solidarity and care for those in need, and the right’s concern for freedom, creativity, and independence.

4. This is a positive and inspiring vision that can help address not only the healthcare crisis but also the ecological, financial, and social crises facing society. It offers a ready-made philosophy and language rooted in the Christian tradition, yet accessible to people of all faiths and none.

For more information, individuals are invited to join the following webinar: The Heart of Good Health: Supporting the Whole Person in Local Communities, hosted by the Las Casas Institute, Blackfriars, Oxford, on Thursday, April 3rd, from 18:30–19:45.

For more details, visit https://www.bfriars.ox.ac.uk/event/the-heart-of-healthcare/.

To register, please email lascasas@bfriars.ox.ac.uk

As the personal, social, and economic costs of current healthcare approaches rise, causing distress to both patients and healthcare professionals, this webinar brings together experts and concerned individuals from the health service, the churches, and public life. It will explore what a Catholic vision of the human person in society offers as an alternative in terms of public policy and local initiatives.

Speakers include:

• Sr. Margaret Atkins CRSA, “The Heart of Health – A Vision for the Church and Society”

• Professor James McManus, Director of Public Health, Wales, “Theology Meets Health Policy: A Catholic Contribution to Health Policy Starts Theologically and Proceeds Practically”

• Thomas Horton, Head of Community Justice at His Majesty's Prison and Probation Service in Wales, “Theology in Action: Probation and Community”

Christians on Ageing AGM & Spring Conference

Accompanying age: what are the churches doing?

30 APRIL 2025, 10.30am-4pm

Join in person at Bar Convent, York

Free event (donation for refreshments)

As well as the necessary business of an AGM there will be focusing on one of CoA’s core objectives – celebrating the gifts and potential of later life – and helping churches and others to develop activities which contribute to facilitating older people’s spiritual growth.

The keynote speaker will be Revd Dr Chris Swift, recently appointed as Director of the Leeds Church Institute, and previously Director of Chaplaincy and Spirituality at Methodist Homes (MHA). After lunch, we will look at three examples of good practice in church activities that can ‘accompany ageing’.

ALL WELCOME!

CoA members, and anyone interested in later life and older people ministry, are invited to join.

To sign up for this event email: secretary@christiansonageing.org.uk

Visit www.christiansonageing.org.uk for further details and programme news.

Religious Formation Ministry Programme

Time for Transformation?

The Religious Formation Ministry Programme is now accepting applications for the 2025-2026 year.

The RFM Programme brings together priests and religious from around the world for a nine-month journey of inner transformation. Participants come with a view to preparing themselves to take on roles of responsibility in formation or leadership at the end of the Programme. For further information visit the website or email rfmploretohouse@gmail.com

Closing Date for Applications: Friday 11th April 2025.

Note: Potential participants are strongly advised to apply early in order to have sufficient time to process the required Minister of Religion Visa.

To view a letter of invitation, please click HERE

House of Prayer Lent Retreat Programme

The House of Prayer are offering several retreats during this Lenten season of deeper reflection and listening to God.

Longing for God: Individually Guided Retreat

Friday 14 – Sunday 16 March

Led by the House of Prayer Team

A silent individually guided retreat for busy people, those who have not made a retreat before, or for anyone who needs time away to stop, breathe, and pray. A trained spiritual director will be available for daily individual meetings to accompany you through the retreat. Above all, this retreat is a time of listening to God who is present in the experiences of prayer and daily living.

Arrive in time for supper at 7pm on Friday and depart by 3pm on Sunday.

Cost:

Ensuite: £230

Standard: £210

Stepping out in Faith: Finding the courage to walk on water

Saturday 29 March

Led by Alison MacTier

Our journey through Lent involves trust and courage. But taking that step is a journey towards becoming truly ourselves. We explore this theme using Scripture, reflective prayer, poetry, images and music.

Starts at 10am and finishes at 4pm. Please bring a packed lunch.

Cost: £35

Including B&B (Fri – Sat): £100

Lent Retreat: Journeying to Jerusalem

Friday 4 – Sunday 6 April

Led by Audrey Hamilton

Join us for a time of silence and stillness as we journey through Lent and ponder the height and depth of God’s personal love for us. There will be times of guided reflections and space for personal and community prayer with poetry, music and Scripture.

Arrive in time for supper at 7pm on Friday and depart after lunch on Sunday.

Cost:

En-suite: £240

Standard: £220

Day guest: £110

Quiet Morning: Abide with me

Friday 11 April

Led by Kerryn Penson

A time for prayer, companionship and reflection as we ponder the transformative meaning of abiding in God this Lent.

Starts at 10am and finishes at 1pm.

Cost: £15

Holy Week: Individually Guided Retreat

Tuesday 15 – Thursday 17 April

Led by the House of Prayer Team

As we journey through Holy Week, this silent retreat offers a time of deeper listening to God who is present in our daily living and experiences. There will be times of community prayer. A trained spiritual director will be available for daily individual meetings to accompany you through the retreat.

Arrive in time for supper at 6pm and depart by 3pm on Thursday.

Cost:

Ensuite: £230

Standard: £210

Lectio Divina

Wednesdays, 2pm – 3pm

Led by Helen Healy

An opportunity to join a small group meeting at the House of Prayer. Lectio Divina is divine reading, listening to Scripture with the ear of the heart. A short passage of scripture is read slowly and meditatively. There are periods of silence, letting the words penetrate deeper in our hearts, and listening to God and to each other.

Donations welcome.

Quiet Days

Make space to listen to your life and listen to God with a Quiet Day or morning this Lent. We welcome retreatants between 10am and 4pm. You will be allocated a private room and can make use of our Prayer Room and other meeting spaces in the House and gardens. Bring a packed lunch with you. Refreshments, including tea and coffee, are available throughout the day in the Dining Room or Library. If you would like to speak with someone during your Quiet Day, we can arrange for a meeting with a spiritual director. Suggested donation: £25.

Individual Retreats

Draw aside from the noise and busyness of your daily life and experience some peace and quiet to listen to God. We offer a space for individuals to make a private retreat (catered and self-catered) throughout the year. Spiritual direction may be available upon request and should be booked in advance of your visit to ensure availability.

Group Retreats

Looking for a quiet and prayerful space to host your next parish quiet day, team meeting, or prayer group? We offer warm hospitality, meeting spaces and accommodation to suit your needs and requirements. We can also support you to find a retreat leader for your group retreat or day.

Meeting rooms are also offered and warm hospitality should you be looking for a prayerful space to hold your next parish, prayer, or team meeting: www.christian-retreat.org/group-retreats

Summer Language and Liturgy Courses

Summer Language and Liturgy Courses – July & August 2025

The Institutum Liturgicum and Benedictine Institute are offering a series of summer courses in Liturgy, Syriac, Biblical Hebrew, and Latin for July and August 2025. These courses provide a wonderful opportunity to deepen your knowledge in these areas.

In-person courses are available for Liturgy, Syriac, and Biblical Hebrew, while Latin is offered both online and in person.

Accommodation is available in their House for Guests and Monastery, with limited spaces.

For full details and to register, visit Liturgy Institute or Benedictine Institute.

Kairos Spirituality Centre

Experience peace and renewal at The Kairos Centre, a Catholic spirituality and conference centre in southwest London, provided by the Poor Servants of the Mother of God. Nestled in landscaped gardens overlooking historic Richmond Park, this urban oasis offers a serene space for prayer, reflection, and connection.

Explore their 2025 Retreat Programme, designed to uplift and transform, with options for day visits, overnight stays, spiritual direction, and personal quiet days.

For further details of the Retreat Programme, including prices, booking forms and details of other programmes and events, please visit their website.