Moderator-Designate of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland announced

The Revd Dr Adrian Burdon has expressed his excitement at being appointed Moderator-Designate of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI). A Methodist Presbyter for almost forty years, he currently serves as superintendent minister of the Telford circuit.

The CTBI is important to him because he says it reflects values deeply aligned with Methodist principles of service and community engagement, striving for the advancement of Christian mission and discipleship as well as being profoundly committed to equity and justice.

Promoting Christian unity is at the heart of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland.  It encompasses 38 Christian denominations and 38 affiliated bodies

CTBI holds a unique position which allows it to speak authoritatively to the church as well as in social and political circles throughout Britain, Ireland and internationally. Revd Adrian relishes the opportunity to lead the CBTI and is looking forward to the challenge.  He is by no means a newcomer though, his involvement spans more than eight years.  Since 2017, he has chaired the CTBI writing group, responsible for preparing resources for the annual Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, a role he has found inspirational. His longstanding leadership of this group continues to help shape conversations at the intersection of faith and unity.  It’s a collaboration he has greatly valued, saying that working with colleagues who represent a rich diversity of ecclesiastical traditions has such a powerful impact on him, it “ignites my passions and energises my spirit”. “So, when the opportunity to serve as Moderator for CTBI arose, I felt an undeniable spark—a deep sense of calling to contribute on a broader scale”.

Given his passion and with background, it is perhaps not surprising that Adrian has been selected for this role.  Even as a child, he became aware of the essence of ecumenism, having been brought up in a Methodist and Roman Catholic household. This awareness expanded during his theological studies at Manchester University in the 1980s and was reinforced while training at Birmingham’s Ecumenical Queen’s Foundation, a hub for interdenominational engagement.

His new post will allow him to draw on all this experience as he tackles a multi-layered role which will include: embedding a culture of clear values and behaviours, supported by well-defined structures and processes; providing leadership and guidance to the Board of Trustees; presiding over Board meetings; ensuring all Trustees can freely contribute their expertise and perspectives and encouraging diversity among Board members. The Moderator also plays an active part in supporting the General Secretary; promoting effective communication with CTBI’s member churches and offering guidance to staff, while serving as a vital point of contact for church representatives.

If that weren’t enough, Adrian will have an ambassadorial part to play too, being a very public representative for the CBTI, with duties extending to events, meetings and functions, as well as engaging with stakeholders ranging from the media and policymakers to funders and government officials.

The Revd Burdon is under no illusion that he will be taking up his leadership amid global uncertainty.  In addition, churches of all denominations are facing a decline in attendance. However, there are signs of hope as some are demonstrating innovative approaches to ministry and community engagement.

Despite the challenges there is a firm resolve to ensure the Church’s voice is heard by decision-makers and in spaces marked by exclusion, powerlessness, conflict and division. The key priorities are migration, racial justice and the fostering of positive relations between diverse cultural groups.

The Revd Dr Burdon will assume responsibilities as Moderator of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland in September 2026 and continue in post for three years.