09 November 2012

The appointment of the Bishop of Durham, Rt Rev Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury helps to underline the importance of Christian mission in the workplace.

Welcoming the new Archbishop, Roy Crowne, Executive Director of HOPE said, “Justin Welby’s career in the oil industry and role as a former Chairman of an NHS Hospital Trust among other roles means he has insight into the world of work, where the majority of people spend most of their waking hours. His appointment is good news for the Church as we seek new ways to engage in mission in word and action.

“The Church is at a strategic time when there are many internal issues to be addressed but we are confident that, in his new post, Justin Welby will continue to be outward-looking, equipping the local church to do the same, making an impact, sharing hope and building community.”

Following Bishop Welby’s acceptance speech, Roy Crowne added: ‘It’s great to hear the next Archbishop saying ‘Our task as part of God's Church is to worship him in Christ and to overflow with the good news of his love for us, of the transformation that he alone can bring which enables human flourishing and joy. The tasks before us are worship and generous sharing of the good news of Christ in word and deed.’

“That’s what HOPE is all about – churches working together, being good news in word and action.

“It was also great to hear him affirm the work of churches at the grassroots: ‘The work of the Church of England is not done primarily on television or at Lambeth, but in over 16,000 churches, where hundreds of thousands of people get on with the job they have always done of loving neighbour, loving each other and giving more than 22 million hours of voluntary service outside the church a month. They are the front line, and those who worship in them, lead them, minster in them are the unknown heroes of the church…One of the greatest privileges of this role will be the inspiration of so many grassroots projects that I will see around the country… Because of that vast company of serving Anglicans, together those in other churches, I am utterly optimistic about the future of the church.’

“Here at HOPE we share that sense of optimism.”

HOPE works in close partnership with the Church of England and other denominations, helping churches in villages, towns and cities to work together in mission in word and action. HOPE has had the support of Archbishop Rowan and the Church of England throughout HOPE 08 and since the relaunch of HOPE in 2010.

Momentum is already building towards a whole year of mission in 2014 when thousands of churches will be running projects together to bless local communities.

Ends

Media Enquiries

HOPE Communications Team: Lucy Cooper 02072072107 / 07810 183635
                                                   Catherine Butcher 07850 083414

NOTES TO EDITORS

What makes HOPE distinctive?
•          Together - churches and ministries, from all traditions, uniting for the purpose of mission
•          Action- local churches building community and investing in their village. town or city
•          Word - sharing the Christian message through words as well as action, in culturally relevant ways
www.hopetogether.org.uk