THE new Churches’ Forum for History held its inaugural meeting on Thursday of last week, in Faith House, Westminster.

The purpose of the Forum, the organisers say in a statement, is to develop new approaches to the study of church history and to “raise the status of such study where it is presently isolated or neglected. Above all, it will aim to support churchpeople who wish to take an active interest in the history of their churches,” both academics and individuals.

The Forum is said to be a “continuation and expansion” of the work of the Association of Denominational History Societies and Cognate Libraries, which was first established by Alan Sell to foster collaboration in historical research and study across the Churches and in their respective institutions, collections, and archives.

“The Forum will aim to achieve a new relationship between academic research, the writing of individual scholars wherever they may be, and the study of history by church people at large,” the statement says. “It will create a new framework for these things, hosting regular meetings, supporting new publications and promoting conferences.”

The inaugural meeting presented a discussion of religious life and vitality in the late Victorian City, featuring two historians of modern religious history: the Ven. Dr Bill Jacob and Professor Hugh McLeod. Other historians, students, and private individuals were also in attendance, alongside representatives of associated societies and libraries.

The Forum welcomes contributions from those who are interested in writing about the history of their own church and on similar themes. Andrew Chandler can be contacted for more information at: a.chandler@chi.ac.uk