About Us

Where did it all begin?

Engaging Theology in Cumbria (ETC) has developed out of the former Cumbria Theological Society, which was founded in 1992 as an ecumenical organisation with the aim of hosting five or six lectures or seminars each year. The Society welcomed many distinguished speakers and well known academics to stimulate theological reflection and explore its practical implications for the mission of the churches.

In 2018, in recognition of the wide variety of theological activity across the county, the steering committee of the Theological Society reviewed what it offered. The members decided to change its name to reflect the aim of engaging as many as possible in exploring how God is present and inspires our hearts, minds and souls towards the mission of Christ.

It is run by a small steering group, with representatives from the Anglican, United Reformed, Methodist and Roman Catholic churches to reflect the nature of ETC as fully ecumenical, and not espousing any particular theological or ecclesiastical standpoint.

Over the next few years, the vision of ETC is to host a range of day conferences, groups, including book groups, seminars and lectures, held in various locations to be accessible to as many people as possible, including young people and students.