Ordained in 1957 and starting work in Portsmouth Cathedral before the early optimistic days of Vatican II, Derek later built up a parish Vatican II community and also worked as chaplain to a Psychiatric Hospital, Prison and University. 

 

In 2012, he was one of the seven priests of the diocese whose letter to The Tablet was the start of the movement that became A Call To Action (ACTA). This letter was a key moment in the life of reform movements, with priests publicly calling out the Bishops of England & Wales for their reluctance to 'listen to the people' and stating baldly that 'all responsibility for the local churches has been abrogated by them'.

 

At this event, Derek will draw on his vast experience and share his views and concerns on where OUR church is going in 2026. We expect to have a very open sharing about the failure of the church to promote the Synodal path and his concerns about the focus on holiness and personal devotions over what it means to be human.

 

As well as his misgivings about the male clerical caste. Derek will also speak to us about the importance of lay leadership and building small Christian communities. We expect a very honest and life giving event from someone who has always been able to see well beyond the confines of institutional preservation and into building a just, welcoming and compassionate church where all are welcome.