A young boy standing outdoors shielding his eyes with his hand, looking into the distance against a clear blue sky.

Our mission

“The Child stands at the Centre of the Church.”


We believe the Church must reimagine its very foundations — with children and young people not at the margins, but at the heart of worship, theology, and leadership. CCC is a research-led, prayer-rooted, and theologically visionary community working to reshape ecclesiology around the presence and participation of the child.

Person walking through a narrow aisle in a library between tall bookshelves filled with books.

what we do

CCC operates as a unique and multi-faceted centre based at Trinity College, Bristol. Inspired by a monastic rhythm of prayer, research, and prophetic voice, we:

  • Conduct and publish high-level theological research around the child in Church and society

  • Develop academic pathways from GCSE through to PhD, focusing on children, youth and families

  • Advocate for the prioritisation of child liberation theology within Church structures

  • Train and support clergy and lay ministers to lead in intergenerational and child-focused ministry

  • Provide forums for collaboration, debate and spiritual formation

  • Partner ecumenically to shape a Kingdom-focused vision beyond denominational boundaries

A man with gray hair and beard wearing sunglasses, a black jacket, and shorts sitting on a small sailboat with a red sail, on a body of water with distant land and cloudy sky.

Who we are

CCC is led by Revd Dr Howard Worsley — theologian, researcher, educator, and long-standing champion for children’s spirituality. Alongside him, a growing network of researchers, practitioners, students, and strategic partners from across denominations work to drive forward this vital mission.