Attitude Shift Key to Welcoming Back Non-Practising
Speakers at a national ecumenical conference held in Minehead dedicated
to reaching “prodigals” last week urged Churches to radically change
their attitudes towards non-practising Christians.
The Building a Prodigal Friendly Church Conference ran from 27 February to 1 March at Butlins in Minehead, and aimed to bring together Church leaders from across the denominations. The three day event provided a broad cross section of ideas, support and resources concerning new ways to reach those who might be called “prodigals”. Rob Parsons, who is the author of Bringing Home the Prodigals, and one of the conference’s keynote speakers, said: “God is calling us to lay down any guilt that we might feel towards prodigals. Don’t be the judgemental older brothers but have hope, open your doors wide and they will come home again when the Father’s house is filled with His love.”
Among the 1000 plus delegates from across the UK were representatives from the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation (CASE) who were delighted to accept an invitation to address the Conference on the topic of “A Catholic Approach to Prodigals”. This invitation was momentous in itself because it was the first time that Catholics had addressed a predominantly evangelical audience in this way. CASE was also invited to provide facilitators at a smaller group gathering. CASE Team Member, Clare Ford said: “It was a real blessing to learn from the many creative approaches devised by our brothers and sisters from different Christian traditions. The experience also helped us gain a deeper appreciation of the fantastic treasure that we have to offer returners in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.”
There are currently a number of Catholic initiatives which are successfully being used to reach out to Prodigals. Landings for example, was introduced into this country in 2001 and is already being used in 10 diocese, with over 550 leaders trained for service. Keeping In Touch (KIT) is a new programme from the Diocese of Portsmouth which lays emphasis on providing opportunities for returners to tell their story and to talk through problems and difficulties. Clare Ward from CASE said: “A significant proportion of our baptised Catholic population are what might be called “Prodigals”. They are for many different reasons not practising their faith. The good news is that in the midst of this reality there is so much hope and a growing awareness and concern that each of us has our part to play in welcoming them home again.”
The CASE input at the Conference laid a particular emphasis on the importance of offering returners a welcoming space, a listening ear, acceptance and the Sacraments. Many of the delegates commented on how delighted they were to learn from the Catholic approach and for the opportunity to engage and ask questions.
Useful URL : http://www.caseresources.org.uk
The Building a Prodigal Friendly Church Conference ran from 27 February to 1 March at Butlins in Minehead, and aimed to bring together Church leaders from across the denominations. The three day event provided a broad cross section of ideas, support and resources concerning new ways to reach those who might be called “prodigals”. Rob Parsons, who is the author of Bringing Home the Prodigals, and one of the conference’s keynote speakers, said: “God is calling us to lay down any guilt that we might feel towards prodigals. Don’t be the judgemental older brothers but have hope, open your doors wide and they will come home again when the Father’s house is filled with His love.”
Among the 1000 plus delegates from across the UK were representatives from the Catholic Agency to Support Evangelisation (CASE) who were delighted to accept an invitation to address the Conference on the topic of “A Catholic Approach to Prodigals”. This invitation was momentous in itself because it was the first time that Catholics had addressed a predominantly evangelical audience in this way. CASE was also invited to provide facilitators at a smaller group gathering. CASE Team Member, Clare Ford said: “It was a real blessing to learn from the many creative approaches devised by our brothers and sisters from different Christian traditions. The experience also helped us gain a deeper appreciation of the fantastic treasure that we have to offer returners in the Sacrament of Reconciliation.”
There are currently a number of Catholic initiatives which are successfully being used to reach out to Prodigals. Landings for example, was introduced into this country in 2001 and is already being used in 10 diocese, with over 550 leaders trained for service. Keeping In Touch (KIT) is a new programme from the Diocese of Portsmouth which lays emphasis on providing opportunities for returners to tell their story and to talk through problems and difficulties. Clare Ward from CASE said: “A significant proportion of our baptised Catholic population are what might be called “Prodigals”. They are for many different reasons not practising their faith. The good news is that in the midst of this reality there is so much hope and a growing awareness and concern that each of us has our part to play in welcoming them home again.”
The CASE input at the Conference laid a particular emphasis on the importance of offering returners a welcoming space, a listening ear, acceptance and the Sacraments. Many of the delegates commented on how delighted they were to learn from the Catholic approach and for the opportunity to engage and ask questions.
Useful URL : http://www.caseresources.org.uk
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