The Anglican Communion is aiming to plant or restore one million churches over the next ten years, as part of its evangelism and discipleship work. 

Its Vision36 programme has been described as a plan “for a new decade in which making disciples will be supplemented with planting healthy churches".

The initiative was revealed to members of the Anglican Consultative Council during its meeting in Belfast on Tuesday. 

It is thought there could be a further 20 million church members as a result of the initiative.

Venn Canon Robert Sihubwa, from the Diocese of Zambia, said the vision was about taking “the Church to the world”, revitalising congregations that are “deep-rooted, spiritually healthy and fruitful”. 

“We have a message to offer. We have a community to offer … let’s take it out to the world," he added.

Communities “where every Christian takes on the responsibility to help another to grow in faith” could also be one of the outcomes, according to Canon Robert. 

Members discussed how the vision could apply to their communities around the world, especially where church planting is legally restricted.