About Us

Covering a significant part of Greater Manchester and extending into Cheshire and Derbyshire, we exist primarily to advance the mission of the Methodist Church in our region by supporting circuits and churches.

Although relatively geographically compact, we cover inner city, industrial, post-industrial, suburban and rural areas. Within the apparently more prosperous circuits, areas of poverty and need are to be found. Just as no two towns are the same, the issues and challenges we face in rural Derbyshire are different from those in rural Cheshire.

The District embraces a rich breadth and variety of theological perspectives and worship styles. A range of fresh expressions of Church (messy church, cafe Church, arts based projects etc.) are nurtured without neglecting the other, more traditional, expressions.
There are 124 churches across 12 circuits, and a total membership of just over 6000. The District seeks to support each circuit and church to meet the needs of their members and the communities in which they serve, offering opportunities to worship, work and learn together.