Dear friends, 

I am writing to you as the new Convener of the Diocesan Communications Group. The Diocesan Communications group supports the work of all communications within our Diocese. Some of the key aspects that our communications group focused on include:

• Sharing news and events on the Diocesan website
• Creating and sharing posts on social media, Facebook and Instagram
• supporting the sharing of good news stories from Charges in our Diocese, and finally, sharing and promoting diocesan activities

Communication is a big part of Mission and Ministry. As disciples of Christ, we are called to spread the good news of Christ to all those we meet. In this modern age, technology such as social media is also used to share positive work. However, other ways of communicating outwards, and within our Diocese, are also just as important.  The Diocese Communications Group is here to serve our Diocese in this task of the church. We are called by God to help and support each other, in our collective call to mission and to be followers of Christ.

The Diocesan Communications group have spent the last few months listening and reflecting on some of the challenges shared at the Diocesan Synod in March 2024. As a group, we are now looking to address some of these challenges that we have faced.

One of the ways that we are looking to develop around communications is to build on the foundations and processes that our former Digital Missioner set up. Our grateful thanks to Karen McClain Kiefer for all she did in her time as our Digital Missioner. We continue to hold her in our prayers as she progresses with her ministry training at SEI. We hope that with some adjustments in the process and by regularly meeting as a group. As a result, communication will be strengthened between all of us.

Our purpose as a group is to strengthen communication not just for Diocesan Officers, Committees, and Boards, but also for you in your local context. We want to make it easier for you to share the great missional work that is happening in your communities. Your active participation is crucial in this process.

We are currently developing a simple online form that will facilitate sharing of activities and events throughout our diocese. This form can also be used for events such as the installations of new Rectors and Priests in charge. We hope to be able to share this with you in time for the start of the Season of Creation. We encourage vestries to use this form to share with us the great diversity of God’s work taking place within our often large and diverse communities.

As a Diocesan group, we value your input and encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas on communication within our Diocese. If there’s something in your local context that you would like to share with us, please let us know by emailing media@standrews.anglican.org. We are a small group at the moment, so we may not be able to take suggestions or ideas forward right away; however, as part of a 5-10-year plan, it may be something that we could explore. If you or someone in your charge has experience in communications and would like to be involved in our group, please let us know.

Yours in Christ,

James Gardner

Diocesan Communications Group Convenor