The Bishop of Woolwich, the Rt Rev Colin Buchanan, has visited 72 parishes in his area of south-east London in 10 working weeks, to ask them about their mission. He sometimes went to three or four on a Saturday or Sunday.

He is publishing a report on what he learned, entitled "Mission in South-East London: the Practice and Calling of the Church of England". It will draw on the conversations he held and reflect on the Church’s mission in south-east London and on service to the community.

He comments: “I wanted to be in direct touch with the clergy and lay leaders of the parishes in my area. I established new connections with some churches, and some said that I raised questions they ought to have asked themselves.”

Bishop Colin spent some time in all the parishes except the few where there is no priest at present. His area covers that part of Southwark Diocese in the Boroughs of Southwark and Lewisham, ranging from London Bridge to Woolwich and from Deptford to Sydenham.

He will hold four open meetings in June to present the report to the parishes, and every PCC member who books to attend will receive a free copy in advance.

"Mission in South-East London: the commission and tasks for the Church of England" is published for the Bishop of Woolwich by Communications & Resources, the Diocese of Southwark. Copies are available at £3.00 from the Bishop of Woolwich’s office, 020-8699 7771, email: bishop.colin@southwark.anglican.org.

Details of the open meetings to launch the publication follow …

"Mission in South-East London: the Practice and Calling of the Church of England" – to be launched at open meetings as follows:

Saturday 15 June Blackheath Bluecoat School 10.00 am
Wednesday 19 June Southwark Cathedral 7.45 pm
Sunday 23 June St Laurence, Catford 7.45 pm
Thursday 27 June Millwall Football Club 7.45 pm
(Bishop Sebastian, visiting from Zimbabwe will be present on the last date).

In all cases, doors open half an hour earlier.

Ends.

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