The Revd Philip Webb is an ordained Baptist minister and has previously led churches in Bristol, Hertfordshire and Kent, as well as serving as one of the Baptist Union’s national officers for a number of years.
Philip is married to Jane, another Baptist minister, and they live in Chellaston, Derby, but his work has taken him all over the two counties as he looks to encourage and develop activity between churches in villages, towns and cities.
He has worked full-time for Churches Together as County Ecumenical Development Officer since 2001, serving both Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. He says, "For nearly ten years now (a quarter of my ministry!) it has been my joy and privilege to work and worship with Christians of all traditions, to learn from them, to commend them to their brothers and sisters in Christ, and to help them in their local mission.
“Ecumenism is about learning about each other, but that is not an end in itself. For me ecumenism is always mission-shaped. We come together primarily so that we might be more effective in doing all that God calls his Church to be and do in today’s world.”
Unfortunately, after 20 years of working together in this way the sponsoring Churches have decided to conclude the post of County Ecumenical Development Officer for Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire as of January 31st 2011, and it may well be that each County will work in its own way thereafter. So, if you would like Philip’s help or advice in your area, call him now while you can!
The County Ecumenical Development Officer
Denominational Ecumenical Officers
Some denominations have an advisor on ecumenical matters, known as a Denominational Ecumenical Officer. They will be particularly familiar with the way their Church does things and will be glad to advise people exploring local possibilities.
Baptist Church - Revd Michael Cleaves, 0115 977 1880
Church of England, Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham - contact Revd Philip Webb,
01332 705078
Methodist Church - the Revd Terry Nowell, 0115 976 1420
Roman Catholic Church - Diocese of Nottingham - post vacant
Salvation Army - Capt. Gareth Dickens, 0115 950 3927
United Reformed Church - post vacant
Black Majority Churches - Bishop James Stapleton OBE, (Open Christian Fellowship)
0115 978 5334
