Josephine Butler Conference

The conference is held each year in the cathedral for students who are in Year 7 at our Church of England High Schools across the diocese. This year schools that brought students were our three joint Anglican/Catholic High Schools - Hope Academy, Newton-le-Willows, The Academy of St Nicholas, Garson and The Academy of St Francis of Assisi in Kensington. The other schools that attended were Archbishop Blanch Girls School, St. Margaret’s Academy for boys and St. Hilda’s High School. They were joined with Lathom High School.

The day began with a time of reflection and an overview, by Rev. Lyn McGyver of who Josephine Butler was and how her Christian values, influenced the way she worked as well as what she did in the area of social justice. Throughout the day students took part in a range of workshops that included a drama workshop led by Y Kids, a tour of the cathedral and an art workshop which was based on the stained glass windows in the Lady Chapel which depict women who, through their Christian values, have made a significant difference to the lives of others.

The day concluded with an opportunity for the students to share their learning and think about how their learning might enable them to make a difference in their own communities.The day itself is generously funded by The Josephine Butler Trust and we are most grateful for this as it enables the day to go from strength to strength each year.