A Pastoral Letter from Bishop Christopher

I am pleased to be in contact with you concerning the Lent Call for 2012.  In this year, as I am launching Faith, Hope, Love, my call to all individuals in the Diocese to engage in mission, it is especially important that we use Lent as a time to reflect upon our own response to God’s call.  As part of that response it is appropriate that we should be mindful of the needs of others. Thus, once again, this year’s Lent Call provides an opportunity to offer support to our brothers and sisters in Zimbabwe and to projects here in the Diocese.

The monies raised by my Lent Call in 2011 amounted to almost £97,000, which will be used to benefit our Link Dioceses in Zimbabwe. Each Area Link Committee was given an initial £20,000 to use on projects agreed between them and the Link Committee in their Link Diocese in Zimbabwe and the remainder has been held in reserve in case of further, unforeseen, needs.

This year’s Lent Call will be supporting four specific needs in Zimbabwe: irrigation, education, health and ministry.  In addition, there are four projects here in the Diocese: Slade Gardens Adventure Playground, Esther Community Enterprise, the Camberwell Choir School (CCS) and Neutral Ground Contact Centre - all of whom help to build our communities and to enhance social cohesion.

As you will see we have updated the material and hope that those in your care will find them to be attractive and engaging.  The materials are also available on the Diocesan website

The support and prayer that we give to our Link Dioceses, to the Bishops, priests and people is so important to them, as is the support that we can give to our local charities.  I hope that you will feel able to be generous as you consider how best you can support God’s work in Zimbabwe and in our own Diocese.

Thank you for all you do,

With my prayers for your work in God’s mission,