20/01/2017
The report, entitled "Setting God's People Free", calls for Christians to be equipped to live out their faith in every sphere - from the factory or office, to the gym or shop - to help increase numbers of Christians and their influence in all areas of life.
Laity and clergy should view themselves as equal partners in the task of evangelising the nation, it insists. The paper is a key element of the lay leadership strand of Renewal and Reform, an initiative from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, to help grow the Church.
The report is among papers being circulated to members of the Church of England's General Synod which meets in Westminster next month. The first circulation of papers also includes further updates on the process of simplification of Church regulations. There is also material on the 500th anniversary of the Reformation and a background paper on clergy risk assessment regulations which will be debated on Thursday February 16.
The first circulation of papers is available here.
A second circulation of papers will be published on Friday January 27.
The synod timetable is available here.
The General Synod will meet at the Assembly Hall, Church House, 27 Great Smith Street, Westminster, London from 3pm on Monday February 13 to 5.15pm on Thursday 16 February.
Further information
- Mark Russell, Chief Executive of Church Army and member of Archbishops' Council explains why a culture change is needed in the Church.
- Fr Paul Cartwright, Parish Priest, St Peter the Apostle and St John the Baptist, Barnsley and General Synod Member writes on how he encourages his congregation to live out their faith in the world.
- Renewal and Reform is the Church of England's initiative to promote growth in the church in every community in England. The paper, Setting God's People Free (part of the Lay Leadership strand) and the Simplification of Church Regulations are part of Renewal and Reform.