Justin Welby on evangelism
Speaking on Premier Radio, the Archbishop of Canterbury said, ‘Any church that leaves evangelism to the “professionals” is committing missionary suicide. The responsibility of demonstrating in word and works the love of Jesus Christ, in a way that is deeply attractive is the responsibility of every single Christian. Always. Everywhere.’ Archbishop Justin spoke out about how the Church has failed to equip people to share their faith for too long. ‘If you go back to 1944/5 there was a report for the Church of England called Towards the Conversion of England prepared for William Temple. It said that there will never be a conversion of England until every Christian disciple is equipped to share the good news of Jesus Christ. That has always been one of the greatest weaknesses in many churches - not just Church of England churches. We do not spend enough time equipping people to share their faith.’
Christian meetings in parliament
Christians in Parliament will host a reception on 8 June to mark Her Majesty’s 90th birthday. Please pray that Mark Green in his talk will communicate clearly how the Queen’s Christian faith has shaped her life and reign. On 14 June the national parliamentary prayer breakfast’s subject is ‘The Church in the Middle East'. The main speaker is the bishop of the Coptic Orthodox Church in the UK. Please pray for church leaders as they spend time with their MPs at the breakfast; for Bishop Angaelos as he prepares to speak, and for those praying and doing readings. Also in June Professor Don Carson will speak on 'What can Christianity contribute to politics?' Please pray for good attendance from MPs and staff. Continue to pray for the ongoing Bible study groups, and for all Christians in politics to grow in faith and make new contacts with other Christians and those not yet saved.
London: Europe-focused conference
Believers from around the world gathered in London for the Empowered21 European Congress from 11 to 13 May. The event is intended to have an impact on Europe. Organisers said, ‘Europe is perhaps more in the world's view than it has been in decades, with the migrant crisis and terrorist attacks.’ Delegates prayed for God to do something fresh in Europe today - there are great signs of revival in Europe. They went on to say they intended to fan that flame of revival and encourage people to get involved and become agents of renewal in the UK. Their focus was addressing the rise of Islam, financial crises and terrorism with scholars focusing on the theology of grace and the Holy Spirit. Also on the agenda was ‘reaching this generation in the digital revolution’, and changing the way in which we engage with the most distracted and disrupted generation in history.
Invictus Games winner praises NHS
An American soldier has given her Invictus Games gold medal to the hospital team that saved her life at Papworth Hospital in Cambridgeshire. The swimmer, 25, from Arizona, became gravely ill when she collapsed with a lung condition on the eve of the first games in London in 2014. ‘They absolutely saved my life and I can't thank the UK enough for having that kind of medical support and taking such good care of me. So I gave Prince Harry one of my medals and hope it will find its way back to Papworth.’ She also paid tribute to the NHS, saying, ‘Thank you. I'll never be able to repay you, but what you're doing is wonderful.’
