Anglicans in London are committing to seven years of being confident, compassionate and creative in getting the good news of Jesus to the eight million people living in the capital. Capital Vision 2020 is a campaign which has been put together after conversations with nearly 2,000 people. It was approved by the Diocese of London's synod in March earlier this year then launched last night in front of thousands at St Paul's Cathedral.
Every CofE church in the capital is involved in the campaign and Church Wardens from every parish across the city were at the launch to be commissioned by the Bishop of London.
The Rt Revd Richard Chartres encouraged them to take on board the '3 C's' of the campaign - to be:
- Confident in speaking and living the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
- Compassionate in serving communities with the love of God the Father.
- Creative in reaching new people and places with the Good News in the power of the Spirit.
The Diocese has set itself a number of goals to achieve by 2020. Amongst other things, it wants to increase the number of people signing up for the ministry by 50%. It's also looking to double the number of young people involved in their local Christian community and create or renew 100 worshipping communities. The Diocese says it will invest in the use of new media and look to the creative arts to find new ways of getting the message across to people who wouldn't normally go to Church.
Speaking to Premier's Martyn Eden, Bishop Richard explained the Church has to move with the times.
A special prayer has been created for the campaign.
It says,
Generous God, You have called us to be salt and light in this great city;
Guide us by your Holy Spirit to discern your will for your Church as we seek to follow your Son Jesus Christ in loving and serving our neighbours.
Give us the wisdom and strength to fulfil the vision you put before us and help us to play our part in transforming our earthly city into a sign of the Heavenly Jerusalem where you live and reign, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, One God now and for ever. Amen