Focus on Ministry 21
As part of their continuing ministerial development, clergy are meeting in small focus groups to discuss matters of mutual interest. Varied subjects include Healing, Spiritual Direction, Rural Ministry, Men in church.
The ‘Inclusive Church’ group has now had several meetings, and has looked at a whole range of topics around the Church's call to be open and hospitable to all, and the recognition of the various layers of non-inclusiveness which cause some to feel excluded.
We've talked about divisions caused by differences in age, social status, gender etc, the challenges of church buildings and their furnishings, and the problems caused by traditions and practices that can feel excluding. We're now looking at practical ways of practising inclusivity - including looking at liturgies for a range of pastoral situations and developing ecumenical links both in this province and in Europe.
Revd Ali Green
Mission is everything the Church is, so in the ‘Mission’ group’s first meeting, we spent some time working out where to focus our conversation. And as we finished we prayed for various projects around the diocese. The consensus was that future meetings should probably concentrate on new ideas and sharing good practice in our parishes. And, as prayer will probably become a feature of these meetings, we welcome prayer requests even if you are not able to attend the meetings.
Revd Alicia Baker