On Tuesday 3rd March, the Foundation held its third annual conference at King’s College, London. Trustees invited 60 guests to celebrate the achievements of FCL over the past five years and to hear their plans for the future. Our sadness was that family illness prevented Dame Janet Trotter, Chair of FCL being with us. Sir Philip Mawer opened the proceedings in her absence with an initial introduction.

Two principal speakers developed themes key to the projects and consultations which have been an essential part of FCL’s life. Dr Sara Savage who, with Dr Eolene Boyd MacMillan, led our research into Conflict Transformation made a significant and engaging presentation about where next for the FCL and for church leaders on conflict transformation, urging church leaders to “wear their scars of conflict with pride”. Sara’s talk where next in conflict transformation promted many questions from the audience. The FCL’s book Transforming Conflict supports and expands on Sara’s talk.

The Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Rev John Pritchard spoke about Where Next in Senior Church Leadership, the responsibilities and opportunities of being a diocesan bishop and about the ways in which the FCL can support senior leaders as they develop new strategic approaches - from ‘liberating the local’ to ‘sustaining the sacred centre’ for faith and life. 

Sir Philip Mawer, on behalf or the Trustees reviewed the work and achievements of FCL so far with critical reflection on the learning points for the churches about the development of leadership at various levels in the life of the denominations.

Lunchtime gave Sir Philip and Bishop Michael Turnbull, our first Chair, the opportunity to thank Canon Malcolm Grundy for his very significant work as founding Director and to make a presentation.

In the afternoon Trustee, Bishop Trevor Willmott, outlined FCL’s strategy for the next four years and introduced Julie Farrar as the new Director. An ‘open forum’ panel allowed creative contributions from the floor. The Very Rev Adrian Dorber, FCL Trustee and Dean of Lichfield, summarized the discussions of the day before Malcolm closed the event with prayers.