News

Launching Single Friendly Church Network

29th November 2023

We are excited to announce that we have become a charity, and are relaunching as 'Single Friendly Church Network'. With a fresh look, we are continuing our mission to inspire a movement that welcomes and values single people in all our churches.

Charity Launch at St Ethelburga's
Church Leaders and representatives from a range of organisations and charities gathered this month to celebrate the launch of our new charity. The event held at St Ethelburga’s in the City of London on 22nd November attracted a range of leaders, including representatives from our Single Friendly Churches; Bishop Mike Royal, Chief Executive of Churches Together in England; and the Bishop of Islington Ric Thorpe.

The night featured an interview with Rev Kate Wharton one of the Trustees (also Chair of the House of Clergy) and prayers were led by Bishop Pete Broadbent, one of the our Patrons. The Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, another Patron, sent a video endorsement in which he said, “It’s really important that our churches are places of welcome for everyone. I thank you for all you are doing and pray for God’s blessing on your launch and all you will do in the future”.

Our new short film
We also premiered our short film 'Inspiring Change: The Single Friendly Church Network' on the evening. The video tells the story of four Single Friendly Churches from different traditions and contexts – and how becoming Single Friendly is transforming the experience of their single members. It is now available to watch on YouTube.

Donate to Single Friendly Church Network
Now that we are a charity, we would greatly benefit from donations to develop our work. Please do consider whether you could help in this way. Donations can be made by bank transfer to our Charities Aid Foundation account - please email us for details.