St George’s Church, York, recently hosted the Churches Together in York (CTY) AGM. The principal speaker was Rev Roger Simpson of St Michael-le-Belfry Church. Roger had just returned from the international ALPHA conference in London, and spoke of Alpha’s early development and the beginning of its worldwide spread, bringing new life to churches across the spectrum, ‘from Coptic to Pentecostal’. ‘The Holy Spirit does the work,’ insisted Roger.

The meeting then heard reports, including Rev Chris Cullwick, Anglican Chaplain for Work and Leisure, including York businesses, city football club, and liaising with the council, all of whom currently appreciate the churches’ contribution. A different picture was described by Rev Paul Wordsworth, Chaplain for Social Responsibility. He said his presence is increasingly questioned at meetings on social issues such as homelessness, housing, care of children and families, as if people are puzzled that the church should be involved.

Charlie Bridge, Manager of the Fairtrade shop in Gillygate, outlined plans for the CTY November meeting in a Fairtrade cafe, and a cheque was presented to Christian Aid.