We’re pleased to share the news that Lily Axworthy and Stephanie Openshaw have received prestigious awards at the annual Lambeth Palace Awards. These awards were introduced in 2016 to recognise outstanding achievements in various aspects of Church life.
There are nine non-academic awards which are awarded by Lambeth Palace:
- The Lambeth Cross for Ecumenism
- The Canterbury Cross for Services to the Church of England
- The Cross of St Augustine
- The Dunstan Award for Prayer and the Religious Life
- The Hubert Walter Award for Reconciliation and Interfaith Cooperation
- The Alphege Award for Evangelism and Witness
- The Lanfranc Award for Education and Scholarship
- The Langton Award for Community Service
- The Thomas Cranmer Award for Worship
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Lily has won the Langton Award for Community Service for her exceptional work tackling poverty and homelessness in Greater Manchester and Rossendale. Since joining Greater Together Manchester (GTM) in 2015, Lily has been a driving force in supporting vulnerable people, founding the Greater Manchester Winter Night Shelter and becoming GTM’s CEO in 2019. Under her leadership, GTM has grown to provide vital services for those facing homelessness, financial hardship, and mental health challenges, while partnering with churches, local authorities, and other organisations to meet the ever-increasing demand for support. Lily’s work has earned national recognition through the Church Urban Fund, and she is regularly invited to contribute to thinking and action at a national level. The Langton Award for Community Service is given for outstanding contribution to the community in accordance with the Church’s teaching. It is named after Stephen Langton, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1207 to 1228, who worked for the political independence of England, acted as a leader and spokesman for the barons, and demanded that King Henry confirm the Magna Carta. |
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Stephanie has been awarded the Thomas Cranmer Award for Worship for her leadership in introducing ‘Wiggle Worship’ across schools and parishes in the Bolton Deanery. As an Early Years Worker with the Children Changing Places project, Stephanie created an innovative, child-friendly worship experience that engages young children and families through songs, rhymes, prayers, stories and craft activities. ‘Wiggle Worship’ has had a lasting impact across Bolton, with over 1000 children participating regularly in school and church, and is now expanding beyond the region. Even after retiring in 2023, Stephanie continues to support Bolton’s ‘Wiggle Tots’ groups and remotely supports many more Christian toddler groups across the country and beyond. Steph also writes stories and resources for toddlers for the Bible Society: It’s Nearly Time! A Christmas Rhyme (2023) and Who Can It Be? A Christmas Wait and See (2024). The Thomas Cranmer Award for Worship is named after Thomas Cranmer, Archbishop of Canterbury from 1533 to 1555, who wrote the Book of Common Prayer. It recognises outstanding contributions to all aspects of worship in the Church, including both words and music. |
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Congratulations to both Lily and Stephanie for this amazing achievement!
If you would like to nominate someone for the 2025 Lambeth Palace Awards you can find instructions at this link. Please note nominations must be received by 30th November 2024.