Bishop John Coleridge Patteson Day Act of Worship Resource for Schools

This new resource has been created the Diocese of Chester and MMUK to help UK schools remember Bishop John Coleridge Patteson Day, commemorated annually on 20th September, but could be used throughout the year. The resource remembers the life and martyrdom of Bishop Patteson, the first Bishop of Melanesia, who dedicated his life to sharing the Christian faith, promoting education, and standing against injustice, including the practice of slavery in the South Pacific.

Through this act of collective worship, pupils are invited to explore Patteson’s story, his courage, and his commitment to serving others. The session includes opportunities for prayer, reflection, and engagement with Melanesian culture, helping children understand the global nature of the Anglican Communion and the importance of living out values of love, justice, and service today.

Teacher Guidance

This act of worship is designed to be flexible and engaging for pupils of all ages. It introduces Bishop John Coleridge Patteson and his work in Melanesia, encouraging reflection on themes of courage, justice, and global Christian community. The resource includes interactive elements such as quizzes, discussion questions, and cultural insights to help pupils connect with the story. You may wish to prepare a worship table with a red cloth (to reflect the Church calendar for a martyr’s day) and play the suggested Melanesian music as pupils enter. Allow time for discussion after the reflection questions, and consider linking the session to wider curriculum themes such as geography, history, or RE. The aim is to inspire pupils to think about how faith can motivate action for justice and service in today’s world.