We are an Anglo-Catholic church, maintaining traditional Catholic liturgy, preaching and teaching as the Church of England has received it. This is reflected in our style of worship and music.
We welcome everyone, irrespective of faith or belief, as one of God’s children and invite all who are full members of other Christian denominations to receive communion at Mass.
Anyone who attends a service is invited to come to the altar at the time of communion to receive a blessing.
Our church building is here for everyone and we try to keep it open most days from morning through to early evening. You are welcome to come along whether is to look at our beautiful building, visit the Actor's Chapel or to sit in quiet prayer and light a candle.
Our Mission Statement
To promote and maintain the Holy Catholic Faith through our own example of worship, spiritual life and service.
To achive this we will:
Strive to maintain the richness of tradition Anglo-Catholic worship
Endeavour to encourage and foster both newcomers to the faith and also our fellow Christians through private devotion, common prayer and spiritual refreshment for all
Seek to maintain an oasis of prayer and spiritual refreshment for all
Be committed to the creation of a welcoming and serving community through the care of both young and old in north shore
Seek to make the Good News of Christ known through Word and Sacramennt through joyful fellowship and loving service
We seek to do all this under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and through the saving grace of our Risen Saviour Jesus Christ.
Our parish safeguarding officers are Audrey McLennan and Katie Billinghurst and they can be contacted on 01253 353894/07362 755433 email: [email protected]
Promoting a Safer Church
St Stephen on the Cliffs have adopted the House of Bishops ‘Promoting a Safer Church’ policy and the Parish Safeguarding Handbook, incorporating the House of Bishop’s Safeguarding Policy and Practice Guidance A copy of this, and all the information below can be found at: https://www.churchofengland.org/sites/default/files/2017-11/cofe-policy-statement.pdf
We also display the Promoting a Safer Church poster prominently within our church. This is in the entrance hall to church along with relevant phone numbers and contact details.
All those working with children and adults at risk have undergone safer recruitment and received safeguarding training.
Reporting a concern
If you believe that someone is at risk of immediate harm please call emergency services on 999
Any safeguarding concerns in a parish should be brought to the attention of your local Parish Safeguarding Officer(s) (PSO) in the first instance.
Name Audrey McLennan or Katie Billinghurst 01253 353894/07362 755433 email: [email protected]
The PSO can seek further advice from the diocesan safeguarding team as necessary.
Concerns can also be raised directly with the diocesan safeguarding team
Safeguarding team contact details [email protected]
Telephone: 01254 503088
Assistant DSA, Sophie Booth [email protected] 07468971759
DSA, Catherine Smith, [email protected] 07711485170
Safeguarding trainer, Andrea Richards [email protected] 07484073146
Safeguarding administrator, Claudia Aspey [email protected] 01254 503088
Address: Diocese offices, Clayton House, Walker Office Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 2QE
Safeguarding concerns in a school/university/prison/healthcare setting should be raised with the relevant organisation's Safeguarding team.
Finding support
We understand reporting abuse may be very difficult and that not everyone may want to contact the church directly. Below is a list of other agencies that are available to assist either on a 24-hour basis or through specialist helplines and services:
Thirty One: Eight: 0303 003 1111 (out of hours and weekend safeguarding advice)
NSPCC Child Protection Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are worried about a child.
Child-line: 0800 1111 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are a child or young person and are worried about anything.
National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (lines free and open 24 hours). Phone if you are experiencing domestic abuse.
Samaritans Helpline: 116 123 (open 24 hours). Phone if you feel you are struggling to cope and need someone to talk to.
Action on Elder Abuse Helpline: 080 8808 8141 (free phone Monday to Friday 9-5pm).
