Events in the last few years have put questions of Englishness, symbols and the place of faith in national life into the spotlight like never before in living memory.
Too often the flag of St George has been claimed by those who want to divide people rather than bring them together, sometimes leaving churches unsure whether to mark the day at all. But St George's Day is an opportunity for churches to bring local communities together and look forward to the future as well as to reaffirm the place of churches at the heart of our communities and the nation.
April may seem a long way off but the Bishops’ Working Group for Promoting Unity in our Nation is stepping up work now to help churches across England make the most of the opportunity.
It will be hosting a free webinar for church leaders on Monday October 26 at 6pm exploring why talking about England matters; celebrating English identity generously and some practical, tried-and-tested ideas for planning a community St George's Day event.
Chaired by Bishop Martyn Snow, speakers will include:
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John Denham — former Cabinet minister, now Director of the Centre for English Identity and Politics at the University of Southampton.
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Chine McDonald — Director of Theos
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Sunder Katwala — Director of British Future