Bishops at the Lambeth Conference agreed to take forward a Lambeth Call on Safe Church and recommitted to making the safety of all people in the provinces of the Anglican Communion a priority of their focus.<br>Archbishop Justin spoke about the impact of abuse on survivors and said that the biggest challenge of his ministry had been to try and get the institution of the Church to be serious about it and never to cover up. Talking in the context of countries where there is much persecution and violence, he stressed that the issue of misuse of power is fundamental. He said that he always took those who disclosed very seriously, and that it is vital that all clergy know how to report concerns appropriately. He stressed the importance of the verse from 1 John: 1:8 “If we say we have no sin we lie, and the truth is not in us.”<br><br>The Call also speaks of the creation of communities in which all people are safe and cared for as a key part of the Church’s mission and commits to action that will make churches of the Anglican Communion places of enhanced safety for everyone. Provinces of the Communion, through their representatives, will regularly report their progress on fulfilling their responsibility to protect all people in their care.<br><br>There is additional information available regarding safe guarding on this site. In Dunsfold if you have any safeguarding concerns, please contact Hazel Wiltshire (Safeguarding officer by email)<br>hazelwiltshire@talktalk.net<br><br>
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.
Our joint parish Holy Communion service this weekend is at St Peter's Church, Hascombe at 10am. We hope you can be with us. If you're away or housebound you can join us online via this Zoom link:https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84804637292?pwd=NDU0RWNXKzAyclIybmdKQzZnZU8rQT09
William Wilberforce was born in Hull and was initially the MP for his home city before becoming the MP for Yorkshire and living in a rural parish near Ripon, North Yorkshire.Here's a tribute written by the Reverend Paul Harford, the current rector of the parish where Wilberforce lived, as his local churches celebrate the great man's life."This week's readings remind us that the call to social justice to which William Wilberforce responded is one with roots deep in the scriptures. It's a theme that comes back again and again, as the picture of God's kingdom and his intention for the world is reflected on again and again. A kingdom of equality and justice, in which all are fed, cared for, and valued, and in which no petty notions of 'us or them' or borders get in the way of peaceful and fruitful co-existence."Sadly the reason it comes up again and again in scripture is not to rejoice in how good we are at bringing that world into being - but because again and again we need reminding of what it is we should be working towards, as again and again it seems humanity forgets itself, and drifts so very far from its purpose and true identity."It takes only a quick glance at the news to know that we still need these reminders - as war continues not only on Europe's borders, but also across the world in countries now forgotten by headlines; as prices rise and the gap between rich and poor stretches still further; as grain shortages mean the most impoverished grow hungrier still; and creation itself reflects back its suffering in record-setting highs..."Yet in these moments these scriptures are there not to condemn us, but to remind us that things should be different - and that things can be different. And as we look back over history we discover that it is not still the same as it has always been. We can find moments of change, lives that have lived, or spoken, or acted differently, and changed the world. They remind us, in fact, that these scriptures are not hypothetical but describe a future historic reality - the way the world will be when God achieves his purposes."When we look at lives like those of William Wilberforce we find the reassurances that change is possible and is coming. We hear a voice raised against slavery, which, joined by others changed systems people thought immovable and eternal, and made the world a better place, conforming it more fully to its destiny as the kingdom of God, and establishing fundamental truths about what it means to be human."It can be done."So the question has to fall to us - listening to Isaiah, St. Paul, Jesus, and all the saints - and their drive towards making the reality now and not just in years to come - what are we going to do?"Pause for prayer: Not everyone has the same calling from God to the same causes, so why not take some time to let your heart beat alongside his and see what yours might be? The next time you are encountering the news - be it written, or broadcast - pause just a moment to ask Him to draw your attention to the things he wants you to pray or do. Then continue to listen with that expectancy. Note anything that resonates with you, or stands out for you. Pray for that situation, that place - ask God's grace, mercy, and peace for it. Is there anything more you are being asked to do? As ever, do share your insights with a trusted companion for discernment together."Reverend Paul Harford is the vicar of the United Benefice of Bishop Thornton, Burnt Yates, Markington, Ripley and South Stanley.
