Every Christian has a vital role to play in sharing their faith with others, Anglican Bishops from across the world have heard.

The first official Call discussed by the Lambeth Conference urges every Christian to pray that through their example at least one person could come to faith in Jesus Christ every year.

It also calls for dioceses to find creative ways to revitalise churches and plant new congregations to share the faith and for every church to be “renewed by the wonder and power of the good news of Christ”.

Around 650 bishops from the Anglican Communion are meeting in 

The first Call considers the subject of Mission and Evangelism – meaning reaching out to others and making new disciples of Jesus Christ.

The Call on Mission and Evangelism makes specific requests.

1) Each diocese and every church to seek fervently to be renewed by the wonder and power of the good news of Christ.

2) Each diocese and every church to commit to prayer, listening and discernment, in the power of the Holy Spirit, to discern how to bear faithful witness to Christ and authentically proclaim the gospel. This to include praying for the Holy Spirit to work in hearts and minds so that the message of the gospel would be received and bear fruit.

3) In obedience to Christ’s own charge, every church to commit itself to actions which purposefully present the good news of Christ so that all might hear the call of Christ and follow Him.

4) Every Christian joyfully to understand that they are a witness to Jesus Christ praying that through this at least one other person each year might come to faith and grow as a disciple.

5) That we pray for each other in this ministry and commit to listen to, learn from and find encouragement together in this Call.

6) For Bishops to be equipped and enabled to lead in this evangelism. Following the apostolic example we are to lead God’s church in God’s world in bold proclamation.

7) For each diocese to cherish, train and send evangelists.For each diocese to make a fresh and creative commitment revitalize churches and to plant new congregations in contextually appropriate ways, to reach those who have not yet heard the Gospel.

8) For the churches that are persecuted to be supported in their witness, that they may be protected and stand firm in their faith.We call on the Secretary General to support and monitor progress in these areas with the help of the Commission on Evangelism and Discipleship, and to report back to the next ACC.