CEYC: The Context and Journey

The active participation of young people in the management of their own learning and development, and in decision-making process at all levels, lies at the heart of youth work practice. Empowering young people to have a voice has been a challenge for the church at all levels and the creation of CEYC provides a platform from which young people can participate in the life of their local parish, diocese, and nationally. The Church can stand alongside other organisations (faith-based & secular) in the way that it approaches young people's participation but this is an ongoing work and ministry that needs continuous championing and support.

The most recent journey made by young adults in securing their voice in the Church has been a long one and CEYC remain indebted to all those who have promoted the cause over many years.

Key steps along the way included:

  • A Pilgrimage to Taizé (1992)
  • First Observer Group at General Synod (1992) - an annual opportunity since then
  • Youth A Part (1996) - and its call for the church to take young people seriously
  • Lambeth conference (1998) - calling all Bishops to engage with young people
  • Time of our Lives (1999)
  • 10 younger adults elected to General Synod (2000)
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The creation of a national representative body for young people was a key recommendation of the Church's Strategy 'Good news for Young People'(2002) and at a consultation event, 'Being A Part' (2003), young people affirmed their desire to establish the Church of England Youth Council.

Some of the achievements of CEYC since its 'birth' (Nov 2004) are highlighted here:

  • First meeting of CEYC (Nov 2004)
  • First formally elected observers welcomed to The General Synod (July 2005)
  • International links forged with EKD (Nov 2005), EYCE (Mar 2006), Anglican Observers at UN (June 2006), UN Commission on status of women (Mar 2007)
  • Short Summer internship (2007) and Gap Year intern (2008-9)
  • More regular invitations to contribute to the life and work of the Church (2009)
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All this has been ably managed by a small Core Group, including the 3 Synod representatives, and the work of a gap year intern appointed in 2008-9. The role of chair of council has been significantly well accomplished by Rachel Camp, Philippa Cox, and Rebecca Swinson.