New CTBI Moderator Calls for Greater Christian Unity Across Britain and Ireland
Written by Sunny Unachi on 25th September 2026
The new Moderator of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland (CTBI), the Revd Dr Adrian Burdon, has taken up the role with a renewed emphasis on Christian unity, collaboration and the Church’s contribution to society.
Burdon officially began his role on September 21, succeeding the Revd Canon Graham Sparkes, who served as Moderator from 2020. His appointment comes as churches across Britain and Ireland continue to navigate questions around mission, social justice, migration, peace and the changing role of Christianity within public life.
A Methodist minister with more than three decades of experience in ministry, Burdon has served in Britain and overseas, including as a mission partner in Tonga, where he was Principal of the Methodist Theological College. He has also held several national leadership positions within the Methodist Church in Britain and has chaired CTBI’s Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Writers’ Group since 2016.
His appointment places him at the centre of an ecumenical organisation whose primary purpose is to help churches across Britain and Ireland pursue greater visible unity in Christ. CTBI brings together churches and Christian organisations to encourage cooperation in areas including mission, social justice, migration and asylum, racial justice, peace and ethical leadership.
For CTBI, unity is not simply about churches gathering around the same table. Its work involves creating spaces where different Christian traditions can listen to one another, build relationships and respond collectively to issues affecting their communities.
Dr Nicola Brady, CTBI’s General Secretary, welcomed Burdon’s appointment, highlighting his broad experience in parish ministry, overseas mission, ecumenical work and national church leadership.
As Burdon begins his tenure, his role will be closely connected to the continuing work of bringing Christians from different traditions together around shared concerns and a common commitment to the Christian faith.
At a time when many communities are experiencing division and uncertainty, the call for churches to find common ground remains an important part of the wider Christian conversation in Britain and Ireland.
