The Devon Churches Rural Forum was formed in 2015 in order to support the work of the rural church in Devon.
It is an ecumenical body, currently chaired by the Archdeacon of Totnes, and meets three times a year. It brings together people from our churches and wider community, including farmers, ministers, academics and farming and community support groups and some public agencies including the police.
Some individuals/groups involved in the Forum have been engaged with market chaplaincy, pastoral support for the farming community, and environmental concerns for a number of years. Others have come together more recently to provide training or reflect theologically on rural ministry.
Since we began some of the themes and work themes we have covered have included:
- Loneliness and Social Isolation and the church's response
- Models of rural ministry
- Input to Lightening the Load - a toolkit for rural ministry in the wake of coronavirus
- Modern Slavery in a rural context
- Rural crime
- Farming Issues of the Day
- Supporting our farmers and farm visit programme
- Farming briefings for churches
- Sharing good news and a wide range of resources and information via our website and newsletters
- Dementia and mental health in a rural context
- Rural Worship Day Workshop
- Networking with other organisations to share information, ideas and support campaigns
The Forum publishes a newsletter three times a year containing farming news and information on rural issues, available support, training opportunities etc. If you would like to know more or get involved in any way, please contact Revd Penny Dobbin via email info@devonchurchesruralforum.org.uk