Welcome

In Memoriam: Fr John Baron

By John Parratt, October 2025

We were sad to hear of the death of Fr John Baron, a former member of Engaging Theology in Cumbria.

John Baron was born in Blackpool in 1936. He graduated in Classics from Cambridge University while training for the Catholic priesthood. He spent some time as chaplain to the Blessed Frederick Ozamin Society, which began his life-long love of France. Subsequently he spent five years in Zambia as a priest and teacher. Returning to the UK he served in various parishes in Carlisle, and was then appointed priest of Christ the King, at the same time as acting as chaplain to the Catholic schools in the city. John made an immense contribution to ecumenical cooperation in Cumbria, taking an active role in Churches Together, and also the One World Centre.

In 1992 he became a founder member of the Cumbria Theological Society (CTS), the precursor of Engaging Theology in Cumbria (ETC), and for many years acted as its treasurer. When the CTS became ETC John continued to play an important role. Those who were privileged to know him will honour his memory both for his enormous contribution to ecumenical fellowship and for his ever joyful celebration of his faith.

You’re here because …

You want to …

… bring your faith to bear – thoughtfully – on the issues that concern you.

You’re curious to …

… find out how your Christian faith can deepen your spiritual life.

You want to …

… follow Jesus more closely as a disciple – and that means engaging with the Bible, with theology, with others.

Engaging Theology in Cumbria is a new venture with roots that go back in a long tradition of thinking seriously about our faith and what it means to follow Jesus in today’s world – in today’s Cumbria.

Together – as Methodists, as United Reformed, as Catholics, as Anglicans – as Christians together – who love God.

We invite you to …

… join us at the events that we host or advertise around the county.

… use the resources that will inspire and provoke you to think more deeply.

… read the blog and respond.

… engage in Theology in Cumbria.

A prayer of St Benedict to inspire us on the way of discipleship

.

Gracious and Holy Father, please give me:
intellect to understand you,
reason to discern you, diligence to seek you,
wisdom to find you, a spirit to know you,
a heart to meditate upon you,
ears to hear you, eyes to see you,
a tongue to proclaim you,
a way of life pleasing to you,
patience to wait for you and perseverance to look for you.
Grant me a perfect end, your holy presence,
a blessed resurrection and life everlasting.
Amen.

.

Join our Facebook group

Explore our most recently added blog posts and resources:


Jonah’s Story, Our Challenge: Reading a Biblical Narrative in Today’s Church and World

We are delighted to announce the publication of Karl Möller’s latest book: Jonah’s Story, Our Challenge: Reading a Biblical Narrative in Today’s Church and World (London: SCM Press, 2023). Jonah’s Story, Our Challenge introduces readers to the most inspiring readings of the book of Jonah from a range of angles, including historical, literary, and psychological ones.… Continue reading Jonah’s Story, Our Challenge: Reading a Biblical Narrative in Today’s Church and World

Growing Good Toolkit

A new resource from The Church Urban Fund called the Growing Good Toolkit – a free six-session course for small church groups that provides reflection on scripture, discussion, prayer, and practical tools for churches who want to connect with and serve the needs of their local community.