Bishop's letters: February 06 +James

WALK CUMBRIA

One of the first people I met in Carlisle Diocese was David Ella, who was then our Evangelism Adviser. He told me of his plans to bring the famous ‘Walk of 1000 Men’ to Cumbria, and gained my immediate attention and support.

I knew about these Walking Missions because their founder, Daniel Cozens, was a near neighbour in Ely Diocese and came to lead a Mission in my parish. I had also heard very positive reports from people who had taken part in ‘Walks’ all over the country. Where better, I thought, than our Cumbrian walkers’ paradise to follow the example of Jesus’ early disciples and go from village to village sharing the good news?

Sadly, David died soon after our conversation. However, his idea lived on and will come to fruition in 2007 (28 April-19 May). From a Diocesan point of view, it will make a major contribution to the emphasis on Mission in our ‘Survival to Revival’ programme for the next couple of years. But this isn’t just an Anglican initiative. The Council of Churches Together in Cumbria have been thinking about ways in which we can engage more effectively in mission together as Christians – and this will be one of them. The Planning Group is highly ecumenical, and this Spring we will be approaching every Christian Church in Cumbria with an invitation to get involved.

What’s more, we will be joined by other Christians from every mainstream denomination. They won’t just be from Cumbria – and despite the original title of the Walks, they won’t just be male! Walk Cumbria will be for men and women, Baptist and Roman Catholic, Mancunian and Cornish alike. It will be a huge privilege to work and witness alongside Christian brothers and sisters from all over the country who will be ‘coming over to help us’. Together, we will have the opportunity to meet people in Pubs, Shops, Schools, Halls and homes and to talk with them about the Gospel we share.

You don’t have to be a walker to take part in all this. The most important role will be praying, which is something every one of us can do. But if you think you might like to join one of the teams, please pray about that as well. We will be training team members, who will be committed to the walk for a week or so, and many former walkers have found the training – as well as the actual experience of the Mission – very formative in their own Christian growth.

As the months go by, there will be plenty more information about this project. Plenty more enthusiastic outpourings from me as well! Walk Cumbria. 28 April-19 May 2007. Please make a date of it. Now.





James Newcome