NOMINATIONS have opened for this year’s St Boniface awards, which recognise lay people in the Diocese of Exeter who have made an outstanding contribution to life in Devon.

Established in 2019, the awards are open to lay people who are worshipping members of an Anglican church in the Diocese of Exeter, but not diocesan employees. They are also open to staff, volunteers and governors of Church of England schools in the diocese.

Nominations of young people aged between 11 and 18 years old are encouraged. Successful nominees will be made Companions of the Order of St Boniface.

The awards are now in their fifth year, and 2025 will be the first year the new Bishop of Exeter, the Rt Rev Dr Mike Harrison, has overseen them.

Bishop Mike has chosen some new criteria people can be nominated for. These include fruitfulness in mission and evangelism, effective engagement with children and young people, and improving life for others by bringing communities together.

He said: “There is some fantastic work happening across Devon whether in service of improving the life of others, work among children and young people or in mission and evangelism.

“The St Boniface awards are an opportunity to mark and celebrate that work and to thank those who are making such an important contribution in one or more of these areas.”

Diocesan Mission Enabler Rev Jeremy Putnam added: “It is so often the case that when we thank people in this way, we are also acknowledging and celebrating the great work and presence of the Holy Spirit.

“I am so pleased to see the St Boniface awards recognise fruitful ministry in areas of evangelism and mission, and the work of supporting children, their families, and communities with faith.

“It goes to emphasise the many great examples around the diocese, where people have responded faithfully to what the Spirit has started.”

Nominations are open until Friday, March 7.

Criteria for nomination include making a significant difference in a church, church school, local community or other field of ministry; fruitfulness in mission and evangelism; effective engagement with children and young people; building up diocesan overseas links; improving life for others by bringing communities together; displaying moral courage and vision in making and delivering tough choices; making a valuable contribution to the care of creation and/ or addressing climate change; and services to safeguarding.

Nominations will be considered by a panel featuring the Bishop of Exeter, the Bishop of Plymouth, the Chairs of the House of Laity and Clergy of the Diocesan Synod and Dr Jon Curtis, Lay Discipleship Project Manager. The relevant archdeacon, rural dean or lay chair will be consulted prior to a decision.

Successful nominees will be notified by the end of March. A celebration service will be held at Exeter Cathedral on Saturday, June 7.

You can also find a paper version of the form at the same link which can be returned by email to: [email protected].