Please subscribe to The God Cast - Here are some links of Interest.Andy's Substack https://discernwithdyslexia.substack.com/p/cofe-ordinand-fundingThe details of the new system are available here ddo-maintenance-training-fund-2026.pdf Church of England - Tackling Working Classism in the Church https://www.churchofengland.org/resources/diocesan-resources/ministry-development/addressing-classism-church#naChurch of England - Current MFT Funding for Ordinands (2026) - Funding / Grant Details for Ordinands https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/vocations/preparing-ordained-ministry/financial-support-ordinandsChurchTimes - Fr Alex Forst Speaks Up For The Working Class https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2026/20-february/news/uk/more-working-class-role-models-needed-in-c-of-e-leadership-synod-is-toldChurch Times Survey 2023 https://www.churchtimes.co.uk/articles/2023/3-november/news/uk/new-survey-reveals-debt-and-mental-stress-among-ordinandsOrdinands association 2023 https://ordinands.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/financial-pressures-among-ordinands-in-training.pdfcofe financial support package: https://www.churchofengland.org/faith-life/vocations/preparing-ordained-ministry/financial-support-ordinandsKey stats:43% of training candidates go directly into debt to pay for everyday living costs.£6,770 is the average amount of debt a candidate builds up during training.25% suffer severe financial hardship, such as falling behind on energy bills.10% are forced to regularly skip meals to afford their basic expenses.Over 50% of female candidates state that money stress has actively damaged their mental health. (43% for males)

Bishop Jill Duff is a British Anglican bishop. Since 2018, she has been the Bishop of Lancaster, a suffragan bishop in the Diocese of Blackburn. Previously, she had been Director of St Mellitus College, North West, an Anglican theological college, from 2013 to 2018.Before ordination, she studied chemistry at university and worked in the oil industry. After ordination in the Church of England, she served in the Diocese of Liverpool in parish ministry, chaplaincy, and church planting.

A public and passionate celebration of Jesus on Pentecost weekend in London in 2026. Joining with the global movement of March for Jesus on Saturday 23rd May.What is it?The Jesus March is a joyous, hopeful celebration of Jesus in London. The global movement of March for Jesus, which began in London in 1987, has continued around parts of the world and recently begun again across Europe. We are inviting you to join us as we relaunch March for Jesus in London this Pentecost weekend – this time called the Jesus March – on Saturday 23rd May.As the annual celebration of the birth of the church, of the first outpouring of the Holy Spirit and of thousands saved, Pentecost is the perfect date for the church to publicly celebrate Jesus, heal the spiritual atmosphere in our city, and raise hope and peace in our communities. There is a series of other significant Christian missions happening in the run up to the Pentecost weekend and throughout it: the Jesus March is a perfect climax to draw everything together.WHAT IS IT NOT?This is not a protest – we are not using this march to speak against any injustices or wrongs regarding the government of the UK, we are celebrating Jesus and lifting him up!This is not a political march – this is not left or right, and no political or national flags are allowed.This is not a promotion – there will be no money-making or products being pushed. No-one is promoting their own ministry or agenda.Why now?Because God is on the move! We have seen a recent wave of salvation, growing church attendance and a fresh boldness to reach the UK with the good news of Jesus, particularly London. This paves the way for a significant, united moment to proclaim and praise Jesus on the streets of this city! We are living in challenging times but Jesus calls his church to shine like stars to the world. Join us to shine out the light of Jesus!WHERE and when IS IT?The Jesus March will take place in central London. The route (pending police confirmation) is from Marble Arch and along Piccadilly, following a joyful mobile worship team on a float. We will end with an extended time of worship and prayer in Trafalgar Square.The march starts at 2pm on Saturday 23 May, finishing at 5pm.CAN I GET INVOLVED?Of course you can! The Jesus March is for everyone. We would love to see the beauty of the breadth, depth and racial diversity of the UK church expressed in the Jesus March. It would really help our planning if we know who is intending to be a part of the Jesus March 2026.Save the date: Make sure you’ve put Saturday 23 May in your and your church’s diary.Register your interest: Let us know you’re coming. To help with stewarding and first aid requirements, we are asking churches who are bringing 25 or more people to commit to bringing a group marshal (steward) and one qualified first-aider who would attend pre-event briefings.