What kind of church are we?

​

Our chaplaincy is a community of six churches, each with its own distinct character, style and pattern of meetings. We are part of the Church of England Diocese in Europe, though as an English-speaking community in France we are pleased to welcome Christians from a variety of different denominations.  The chaplaincy is geographically very large, so each church is shaped and formed within the community where it meets. However, we are all members of the same family and we work together to live hopeful, meaningful lives and to share the love of God with those who we meet.

​

Speaking and listening to God -

​

Prayer is the starting point for every element of the Christian life - God loves it when we talk to him! We take seriously the need to apply God’s Word to our lives, and to consider carefully what it means for us. Each of our church congregations is supported by home groups, bible study groups and prayer groups. If you visit us in any of our churches, you will find a family rooted in prayer and  eager to support you as you grow in your own faith.

​

We are an active church –

​

As members of the Church of England, we understand that our salvation - the promise of a place in Heaven, is given to us freely because of Jesus’ victory over sin and death. There is nothing we can do to earn or add to that.

We believe also, that by loving and serving others, we can show the light of Jesus Christ in a dark and damaged world. Our loving and serving points others to God.

As our faith shapes our lives and decisions, we share a strong commitment to being a community where each member is involved in the life of the church as a family and we support and encourage one another in this. 

Christians are encouraged in generosity of time, money and talents. People from our chaplaincy are ‘hands on’ and willing to try new things; members of our churches are engaged in many ways in their local communities, working in Jesus’ name to bring hope and transformation.

​

We enjoy strong partnerships with other French-speaking and English-speaking churches in our region, and work with local groups to build up the common lives of the towns and communities we serve. As a chaplaincy, as congregations, and as individuals we also undertake to give financially in support of local and international organisations bringing relief to the poor and those in need.

​

As our church family grows, we seek to be engaged more fully as a church in bringing loving transformation to Midi-Pyrénées & l'Aude.

​

Because we are based in France, we are also a registered religious organisation under French law. In addition to our responsibilities under Church of England Canon Law, we also operate under a Constitution - "Statuts" which enable us to manage our finances in compliance with French laws separating Church and State which were originally created in 1901. You can read a copy of our Statuts (this version was adopted in 2018) here. The only valid version is French, but we have provided an indicative translation into English as well. This version is not, however, legally binding.

Linda Billenness

Peter

Gibbs

Malcolm

Rigley

Photo

Awaited

Chaplaincy Council

Ex Officio

​

Clergy

​

Chaplain - Post Vacant

Assistant Chaplain - Rev Canon Tony Jewiss

​

Clergy with Permission to Officiate

Rev Mary Barnes

Rev Neil Batcock

​

Churchwardens 

Clive Billenness & Samantha Silverthorn

​

Licensed Lay Readers

Clive Billenness

Linda Billenness

Peter Gibbs

Malcolm Rigley

​

​

​

​

.

Elected Members​

​

Alet-les-Bains - Linda Billenness

Brens - Ginny Jenkins

Cahors - John Baylis/Kevin Megarry

Caylus - Celia Scott

Toulouse - Post vacant

​

Archdeaconry Synod Representatives

​

Clive Billenness

Linda Billenness

Malcolm Rigley

Heidi Worswick

​

Council Officers

​

Council Secretary - Heidi Worswick

Treasurer -  Gavin Porter

Eco Church Officer - David Gaunt

​

Safeguarding Officer

Celia Scott

​