ACC National Conference 2026
ACC National Conference 2026
Homecoming, as told in the story of the lost son, is less about geography than identity - a return to a place where we essentially belong. When he turns homeward, the son does not plan to arrive with conditions, or prepared defences, rather he comes as is and has been, with honesty, regrets and a simple longing to be back – irrespective of where he will now fit into his father’s household. That he is met by the father with compassion, joy and a desire to celebrate, rather than with the expected condemnation and marginalisation, is the startling aspect of this story, told as an exemplar of the nature of God’s relationship with us.
Homecoming happens when we have confidence that we can similarly be seen, known, and welcomed, when empathy and grace help us return to where we came from, recognising where and with whom we belong.
Henri Nouwen reflecting on the parable, writes in The Return of The Prodigal Son.
“Home is the center of my being where I can hear the voice that says: ‘You are my Beloved, on you my favour rests’ [...] the same voice that speaks to all the children of God and sets them free to live in the midst of a dark world while remaining in the light.”
The father’s open arms, inviting connection and safe warm embrace reflects something of the ministry and practice of ACC members. In our various roles, we offer welcome, attentive presence and skilled accompaniment, a safe space, where struggles, truth and meaning can surface and acceptance and healing can begin. In a contemporary world where there are many competing discourses relating to identity, and many fractured places where we dwell, we hope the conference is an opportunity to explore what homecoming and belonging means in a Christian context and in our personal and professional lives.
Programme
Please see our programme here.
Training streams
All training streams run for four sessions from Saturday to Sunday only. For more information on the training streams, please see the programme. You will only need to select one training stream. If you have any questions, please contact office@acc-uk.org.
Venue
For information on how to get to the venue, please visit the Kents Hill Park Training and Conference Centre website here.
Accessibility
The venue itself is accessible and therefore all plenary sessions, training sessions, and social places are accessible. If you need an accessible bedroom please email office@acc-uk.org before booking.
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BOOKINGS HAVE NOW CLOSED
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Where possible, please use debit card to make the payment.
Please see our programme for cancellation policy.