St Michael’s and St John’s Churches are the two central Church of England places of worship within the town, and on 1 January 2024, they became the Benefice of Workington, having been through a process of drawing together under the leadership of the Very Revd Dr Frances Ward and the Revd Dr Peter Powell.


Together the parishes have celebrated their strengths and grown together in witness to Christ. The worship is liberal Catholic in expression, the social life and fellowship is strong and vibrant where the nurture of children and young people is a priority. We excel in growing greener, going for gold, having received A Rocha silver awards in the last year. The churches are beginning to explore further what being an inclusive church means. Pastoral care is at our heart, with a great many baptisms each year (about 60 across both churches), and numerous funerals – all opportunities for growth and discipleship.