You and your church are invited to join The National Conversation to have ‘your say’ on the future of our country.  

The National Conversation is a chance for everyone to contribute ideas about how to shape a more united future for England. It has been launched by the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion. This is a non-partisan, time-limited commission tasked with uncovering a vision for the future.

The Commission wants to hear from churches because it knows that we are on the frontline of community life. We see the pressures on families and young people, the impact of economic insecurity and cultural change, the tensions and misunderstandings between different groups — and the deep desire many people still have for belonging, meaning and hope. As trusted places where people of all backgrounds come together, churches have a view of connection and division like no other.

Churches Together in England General Secretary, Bishop Mike Royal, urged Christians to take part. He said: “The voice of the church is as important as any other voice. Make sure, as a church leader, you have your say in The National Conversation.”

How to take part

Your church or Churches Together group can participate in The National Conversation in two ways.

Invite your congregation and people in your networks to fill in a short online survey designed and run independently by Nuffield College, University of Oxford.

The survey should take around 10 minutes: Here is a quick link to the churches survey

Or you could host a community conversation. This would involve bringing people together for a short, guided discussion about what connects and divides us. The National Conversation provides the guide, discussion prompts and a simple way to feed back.

This is a great opportunity for churches to draw on their relationships within local communities and convene people across difference, helping to shape the conversation about the kind of country we want to be.

Both the survey and the feedback from the community conversations need to be submitted by 31 August 2026.

Findings will inform an independent report, published at the end of 2026, with recommendations for government, public service providers, businesses, civil society organisations and the church.

The National Conversation has prepared a series of resources to make sharing easier.