LONDON - 12 July 2007 - 475 words
New
book offers dynamic profile of Catholic evangelisation
'What does evangelisation mean
in a Catholic context? What does it involve? Who's doing it and
how effective actually is it?' are just some of the questions
answered in a new book which will be launched next week.
Changing Evangelisation: Themes and Stories from Catholics
in Local Mission, provides insights into the way mission and
outreach are understood by what is fast becoming the UK's largest
Christian denomination.
The book's editor, Fr Philip Knights said: "Catholicism is
experiencing growth both in the UK and in many parts of the world
at present. This book attempts to provide an overview of the way
Catholics understand their missionary identity. I'm sure that
many will find it surprising and challenging."
Part One of the book provides an overview and unpacks particular
aspects, such as what it means to be an 'Evangelical Catholic',
the part that social justice work plays in evangelisation and
the role of Charismatic Renewal in contemporary Catholicism. Part
Two provides intriguing stories of renewal and growth and features:
www.life4seekers.co.uk;
an innovative and fast expanding website for spiritual seekers,
St Patrick's School of Evangelisation; a new school of mission
based in the red light area of Soho and Catholic Evangelisation
Services (CaFE); this is a charity which makes DVD resources to
help Catholics confidently know and share their faith.
Mgr Keith Barltrop is Director of the Catholic Agency to Support
Evangelisation (CASE), which is an agency of the Bishops' Conference
of England and Wales and has supported the book's creation (see:
www.caseresources.org.uk). He said: "Many people have an
image of Catholicism which is stagnant and uncreative. What this
book reveals is a contemporary understanding, providing examples
too, of what the late Pope, John Paul II, called the 'new evangelisation';
this is a missionary activity which is new in ardour, means and
expression. It invites all to nurture a mentality and mission
spirituality which can be of service to us all, irrespective of
our denominations."
The book is being published by Churches Together in Britain and
Ireland (CTBI) and will be launched next Tuesday.
It is the fourth publication in a 'Changing'
series; the other titles include: Changing Churches, Changing
Mission and Changing Communities. The series was inspired
by the Building Bridges of Hope Project (see below). Copies are
available from Methodist Publishing House at www.mph.org.uk
or telephone 01733325002.
Janice Price, Executive Secretary of the Global Mission Network
of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland said: "These
pages tell stories of remarkable innovation and a clear and persistent
movement of God's grace. Reading as a member of one of the Churches
of the Reformation, it is clear how much we have to learn from
such a picture. I warmly commend it to all who seek to take their
part in God's mission in God's world."
Source: CTBI
© Independent Catholic
News 2007
Contact Independent
Catholic News
tel/fax: +44 (0)20 7267 3616 or email
Chaplain • Latest news • Archive • Listings • Pictures •