Southwark consults on Archdiocesan renewal

Archbishop John Wilson © Marcin Mazur/CBCEW

Source: Archdiocese of Southwark

The Archbishop of Southwark, John Wilson, has issued a pastoral letter to the people of Southwark outlining the next steps of the Archdiocese's renewal process.

In 2023, the Archbishop began a process - Called to Bear Fruit - which seeks to ensure parish communities in the Archdiocese are equipped with what they need to grow, evangelise, form disciples, and inspire witness.

The Archbishop said the process is a "journey of listening, collaboration, and renewal in a spirit of Synodality", which began with a comprehensive consultation with the clergy of the Archdiocese.

In a letter, to be read at all Masses on Saturday 18/Sunday 19 January 2025, Archbishop John announces a consultation as part of the next phase of the renewal process. This consultation offers people a chance to share signs of flourishing in parishes, provide suggestions on challenges, as well as identify opportunities for parish communities to work more effectively together.

Speaking about his hopes for the Archdiocese, Archbishop John said he dreams of "an Archdiocese where parish communities embraces this missionary spirit, becoming ever more vibrant communities where new people are continually encountering the Lord Jesus.

"My hope is for our parishes to be places of profound joy and healing, where lay men and women experience the transformative love of Christ".

Hardcopies of the consultation have been made available at every parish across the Archdiocese, as well as online. The consultation outlines six key themes for reflection, with the Archdiocese encouraging people to gather in small groups and come together prayerfully to share their insights.

Archbishop John made clear Called to Bear Fruit is about leading with hope and ensuring parishes are supported to do all they can to evangelise. Under the Archbishop's leadership, the number of people being welcomed into the Catholic Church in South London and Kent by the Archdiocese of Southwark is at its highest number for over a decade.

Last year, 450 people completed the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) - the process to become a Catholic as an adult. An increase of 164% compared to last year (275) and the highest number since 2015.

Concluding his letter, the Archbishop outlined his vision of growth and evangelisation for the Archdiocese. He said: "When I began my ministry as your Archbishop, I said that I did not come to the Archdiocese to manage decline, but to lead with hope. This Jubilee Year of Hope is our chance to open ourselves to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and to work together towards a revival of Christian life, witness, and mission in our Archdiocese.

"For this, I humbly ask for your prayers, your ideas, and your active participation. Together, we can re-imagine our parishes as thriving centres of faith, healing, and evangelisation".

The consultation booklet can be downloaded at rcaos.org.uk. The small groups who take part in the consultation have until the 6 April 2025 to submit their responses. Group responses can be filled out electronically at rcaos.org.uk/calledtobearfruit with hardcopies to be sent to Called to Bear Fruit, St Elizabeth of Portugal, The Vineyard, TW10 6AQ.

Read the full Pastoral Letter: www.rcsouthwark.co.uk/diocese/archbishop-john-wilson/archbishop-wilson-s-letters/pastoral-letters/pastoral-letter-called-to-bear-fruit-2025/