UK Church Leaders Support Hope08 Campaign

The Archbishop of Canterbury Dr Rowan Williams and General Director of the Evangelical Alliance Rev Joel Edwards have both publicly endorsed the Hope08 campaign following its national launch last October.

Hope 2008 is a UK-wide, year-long initiative that will rely on locally organised projects but will benefit from nationally coordinated resources.

Throughout 2008, churches and Christian charities will develop new ways to work together. All denominations, movements, streams and conferences are invited to deliver their ideas under one vision to create a lasting legacy of both physical and spiritual change in both communities and individuals by communicating the gospel through words and actions over a one-year period.

"Hope08 is a really remarkable vision that has grown out of the success of a number of local urban projects," said Dr Rowan Williams.

"Christians have to learn how to give an absolutely clear answer to the question 'why is this good news?' Now, with Hope08, this vision is being extended, with great boldness to the whole country - and even more widely."

Rev Joel Edwards said that although hope as a concept is a 'big deal' for Christians, the outside world have no idea what the Church is talking about.

"Imagine a year in which hundreds of people come to faith because the Church becomes known not for a million fingers wagging, but actually for two million arms outstretched - caring for the poor, giving young people a purpose, and working with the police to reduce crime."

Inspired by programmes like SOULINTHECITY and The Message 2000, Hope08 is designed to be a catalyst for churches of all denominations to run community projects, youth festivals, family events, schools work and lifestyle courses throughout 2008.