The multitude of ministries exercised by the people of Durham diocese are usually identified with various places. Indeed the idea of ‘place’ has an important part to play in Anglican thinking, which has always been committed to the unique significance of ‘place’ in human experience. This has been the basis of the parish system and the central role of the church building in any community.
The Bishop’s own special ‘place’ is in his cathedral. He lives, however, in Auckland Castle which also houses the Bishop’s office, the Diocesan Office and a new conference facility, as well as containing the largest private chapel in Europe and a set of world famous paintings.
Spread out around the diocese are 250 parishes and 300 churches, grouped in localities and deaneries. These again are grouped in 3 larger archdeaconries. It is in the parishes that the heartbeat of the diocese lies but they are held together by common loyalty to the diocesan Bishop.
Another large group of significant places in the life and mission of the diocese is the family of Church Schools, of which there are 50, serving many thousands of children and their parents and the communities in which they live.
Many other places have a vital role to play in the life of the diocese of Durham , ranging from a retreat centre at Shepherd’s Dene, sets of offices and training rooms in Durham and elsewhere, a Resource Centre, an adoption agency, institutions of theological education, a priory, libraries and more.
Most important of all, day by day the churches of the diocese are open for prayer and worship, for quiet and reflection, for inspiration and consolation. These are the special places of the diocese of Durham
