Anglican Communion News Service

The Scottish Episcopal Church has launched a new mission and evangelism venture entitled Mission 21. The initiative began a year ago when Archbishop Desmond Tutu invigorated the Scottish Episcopal Church with new energy and commitment. Mission 21 plans to take the Church into the 21st century with a bold new vision with plans for parish development and Church growth in the community.

The first group of facilitators for the new venture were trained in July and are now helping congregations. The Church has also worked with the Alban Institute in the USA who have studied how congregations incorporate new members in their community. The results of their findings can be used, in course format, as a growth programme for individual churches and for individuals.

Bishop Bruce Cameron who convenes the Mission 21 said of it:"One of the most important facets of Mission 21 is that it begins from where congregations are, and does not seek to impose on them a particular churchmanship which may be alien to them. It challenges congregations with a potential for growth in a practical and well researched way.