Mission year calls Christians to love London

Churches in London are being invited to take part in a year of mission throughout 2013.

Crossing London aims to strengthen, empower and encourage the capital's Christians as they love their city in a real and relevant way.

The mission year hopes to build on the surge in community spirit and activism seen during the Olympics and Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Churches from across the denominations and traditions have signed up to take part.

Throughout the year, they will focus on four key areas - encouraging leaders, equipping Christians, engaging communities and encountering Jesus.

These focus points will be worked out alongside the wider goal of sharing the Gospel with the capital's communities in practical ways.

The first of the encouraging leaders events is set to take place at the Methodist Central Hall in Westminster on 26 January.

The event will be joined by Samaritan's Purse president Franklin Graham and Crossing London organisers Stephen Gaukroger and Hugh Osgood.

In addition to regular meetings throughout the year, Crossing London will culminate in a three-day gathering at London's Excel centre next October.

Bishop of Willesden, the Right Reverend Peter Broadbent said: "This is just another chance for us to work together for the sake of finding ways of sharing faith, committing people to Jesus Christ, discipling them and sending them out to win the world for Christ.”

Reverend Nims Obunge, of the Peace Alliance said, “At the dawn of a very exciting year with the Jubilee and Games behind us, London is still in need of a lasting fire that ignites hearts and minds while also refreshing and reinvigorating its citizens.

"Crossing London - Mission 2013 is one unique way that Christians from all walks of life will together give true meaning to neighbourliness as they seek change the landscape of our city and local communities with the principles of the 'Good Samaritan'."