Time for change-Matching the church's actions to its words

EKKLESIA publish some really thought provoking items. The following two extracts from items -the first by Simon Barrow and the second by Jonathan Bartley- call for a transformation in the Church in England-

Commenting on the Easter sermons by Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams and Catholic Cardinal Cormac Murphy O'Connor (which argue, respectively, that Christians should live by example and should not seek to impose their beliefs on society), Simon Barrow, co-director of the religion and society think-tank Ekklesia, said:

"These are fine words and reflect the commitment of a growing number of Christians. But the real challenge is to transform the culture and mindset of 'institutional church' so that self-interest and the temptation to operate through control gives way to a more open, exemplary approach to being the church in the world."

Anabaptists and others in the UK, including Ekklesia, argue that Britain is moving into 'post-Christendom' situation, where the church's loss of worldly power opens up possibilities of a more creative and convincing approach to Christian living.

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It must focus on its witness. Not only is this expedient, it is far more theologically desirable.

But the good news is that there are plenty of opportunities to do so. How about, for example, exploring ways of using more of its £5 billion in investments to boost alternative economic models such as co-operatives and credit unions? Or why not work to make church schools models of best practice in peacemaking, inclusion, and integration?

Such initiatives would not only provide reasons why people should listen, but would demonstrate in a practical way that the Church has something hopeful to offer when it comes to the big questions of our age.