The Bishop of Woolwich, the Rt Rev Colin Buchanan has launched a new tool to help parishes look at practical steps for including all people in the life and ministry of the church. The pack, God has no favourites, was written by Chris Chapman and Jill McKinnon, members of the Woolwich Area Mission Team, and is based on material which they have used with groups of lay people and clergy.

Underpinning this new pack is the belief that equal opportunities is at the heart of the Gospel: God values all and has a place for all. Each person has gifts and skills to contribute to ministry, and a responsibility to do so as good stewards. Churches should therefore be committed to ways of working that enable all to belong and to participate. Jill and Chris comment: "Becoming a church that reflects a God who has no favourites will mean not just changes in practice, but also changes in attitude. The use of group sessions in this workbook is designed to help changes take place at both levels."

The Introductory section outlines what is meant by equal opportunities, and why it is important. Other sections include How We Promote Ourselves, The Sunday Service, Ministry in Church Life, and Running Meetings. Each section is a free-standing one-and-a-half hour session which can be undertaken by a small group. Further sections focus on particular aspects of equality of opportunity, such as disability and employment.

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For further information contact: