£2.7m funding announced to support Growing in God across Suffolk

The Church of England’s Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board (SMMIB) has recently announced its latest grant awards to dioceses for their programmes of support to parishes. SMMIB invest in low-income communities and seek to promote diversity in congregations and church leadership. 
 
The Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich has received £2.7 million funding to build and expand on successful mission in Ipswich and rural areas of the Diocese. The funding will support new congregations in rural areas, invest in supporting and training our clergy and leaders, see investment in youth leaders, enable mission to people on newly built estates, and promote outreach through music.
 
Gary Peverley, Diocesan Secretary says, “We are delighted to receive further funding in support of our 'Growing in God' strategy. As we await the appointment of our next Diocesan Bishop, we are especially grateful for the Board’s support, which enables us to continue with our existing plans through to 2027. There are many inspiring and ground-breaking projects already delivering positive results across our parishes.  Important too, is that we are now able to continue with our focus on supporting our clergy, encouraging an increase in vocations and the vital work with our parishes to grow younger - including an exciting new project around mission and music. Underpinning all of this, is our ongoing focus on the completion of Strategic Development Funding (SDF) projects to further strengthen our financial sustainability. As a Diocese, this essential funding has arrived at a time when we have an excellent opportunity to build on the significant progress we have already made together, with renewed determination and optimism. We are experiencing real growth and positive change across the parishes which we have the privilege of working closely with and are here to serve.”   
 
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