The Bishop of Southwark, The Rt Revd Christopher Chessun, has announced that three churches in the Diocese of Southwark will become Resourcing Churches to help the diocese’s parishes grow and flourish.
A Resourcing Church is one that is prepared to help another parish by gifting people and resources. This might be through targeted support, a graft or through starting a new congregation and is agreed with the Bishops and Archdeacons working with the parishes.
The Diocese of Southwark is one of the most diverse dioceses in the country, both culturally and in church tradition. In light of this, it is important for there to be a diversity of church traditions represented in its Resourcing Churches.
The three churches, that join Holy Trinity Clapham as Resourcing Churches, are:
St John the Divine Kennington
St Matthew’s, Elephant and Castle
St Peter’s, Brockley.
These particular churches have seen significant growth in recent years and have a desire and ability to help other parishes.
Bishop Christopher said, “In a wonderfully diverse Diocese such as Southwark, we need different ways to help foster and grow the mission and ministry of the Church. I have been encouraged to see many excellent examples of parishes – which are always our bedrock – working to reach their communities and to support one another in mission and ministry across the Diocese. Resourcing churches are just one example of the many ways that parishes support and encourage one another in mutual flourishing. I am, therefore, pleased to announce three new Resourcing churches in the Diocese to help us fulfil Southwark Vision – Christ centred and outward focused.”
Dean of Fresh Expressions, Canon Will Cookson said, “It is exciting to see churches from different traditions united in wanting to help parishes to thrive. I am so pleased that these churches, committed to generosity, have agreed to help other parishes with people and resources with a diversity of approach to meet the needs of others.”
The Revd Canon Mark Williams, Incumbent of St John the Divine, said, “St John the Divine has a long history of supporting other churches in this country and overseas. We welcome the opportunity to support the flourishing of other parishes; building strong relationships with parish communities to see the flourishing of the Church in catholic mission.”
Fr Hugo Adan, Incumbent of St Matthews, said, “It has been wonderful to see the flourishing of a bilingual church model in Southwark Diocese and we look forward to help other parishes develop multicultural models of church in this diverse diocese.”
The Revd Ben Jones, Incumbent of St Peter’s, said, “St Peter’s are excited to join in with helping to deliver the diocesan vision and to see other parishes to grow and flourish.”
