Our Story

Our Story

In 1981, a group known as the Minister's Fraternal, which had been meeting fairly regularly over the subsequent year, felt that as a result of their gatherings, as heads of Churches from different denominations, a Council of Churches ought to be formed. An inaugural meeting of this 'Council', was held on the 8th October 1981, at the previously known Wesley Church, Newgate Street, Bishop Auckland. This first meeting was attended by Clergy/Ministers and lay men and women, from several congregations, who together agreed upon the format of a constitution. It was to be the 'Bishop Auckland Fellowship - not Council - of Christian Churches' not affiliated to the British Council, or the World Council of Churches; open to any Christian Churches within the town wishing to join, and membership was to be the clergy/ministers and two lay representatives from each participating Church. A Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer were elected to serve until 31st August 1982, with the Vice-Chairman succeeding the Chairman, and this group of people to form a Standing Committee. Thus constituted, the Fellowship delegated the hard work to the Standing Committee to organize a series of events:

Christmas Carol Service in association with Wear Valley District Council, B/A Town Hall
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Services at six different Churches during the week
Good Friday Procession An exchange of Pulpits for the Sunday evening

Revd Dr. J. Anido, the first in a long line of Chairmen, commented in his yearly review, ‘ … we have found joy in planning as brothers and sisters in Christ and happily look forward to another year together.’

OUR MISSION

"The Fellowship brings different denominations together, to respect and embrace the different Churches fundamental structures and theologies. We work towards sharing and experiencing the different and diverse structures we have which help us towards gaining a greater understanding and respect for one another. Instead of being aware of what we cannot do together, we find more of what we can do together Celebrating What We Share"

CONTACT NAME, ADDRESS AND NUMBER

Fellowship Secretary:
Mrs May Crawford
8, Linburn Drive,
Greenfields Dene
Bishop Auckland
Co. Durham
DL14 0RG
Tel: 01388 604961