Church of England Bishops

The Rt Rev Alan Smith - Bishop of Shrewsbury

"As President of Churches Together in Shropshire I would like to commend an initiative to you, called HOPE 08. This builds on the holistic mission work done by regional initiatives such as “Soul in the City” and “Merseyfest”. The vision is that churches work together in our villages, towns and cities to do more of God’s mission in word and deed throughout 2008.

HOPE 08 is a light-touch ecumenical initiative which aims to resource local groups of churches as they engage in God’s mission together. A number of resources, chiefly an inexpensive workbook, will be available to encourage this grass roots initiative. Further details can be found at ww.hope08.com. Literature and a DVD are also available with further information. We hope that this will be picked up and implemented across the county next year.

Rt Rev Bob Evans - Bishop of Crediton

‘I am glad to commend Hope 2008 which is a special gift to the churches and communities of Devon, and it will enable us to express something of Christ’s transforming love to those amongst whom we live and work’.

Rt Rev David James - Bishop of Bradford

‘Hope Bradford is a brilliant project and a great concept – to say to people in this city, where there are so many people without hope, that there is hope in God.’

‘We all have to get involved. How can people hear the good news of God in Christ unless we who have been touched by that love of God, we who have been infected by the hope of God, unless we share it, then nobody hears.’

‘People say in Bradford, “It won’t work here”. People feel that they’re at the end of the line somehow – just like the railway stations. That’s not the case, because our God is a God of hope.’

Rt Rev James Langstaff - Bishop of Lynn

A great strength of the churches in this country is that we are present in every community, rural, urban and suburban – that gives us a tremendous base from which to serve the individuals and communities around us. Hope08 has the potential to inspire us to do that more effectively and wholeheartedly and is a wonderful gift to the churches.

Most Rev John Sentamu - Archbishop of York

"For me partnership is really at the heart and I want to invite and encourage every person who knows and owns the name of Jesus Christ to become a partner of Hope"

The Right Reverend Michael Langrish - The Lord Bishop of Exeter

‘……..Hope 2008 comes at just the right time. Here is a national call to focus on God’s core activity – transforming lives and communities with the Good News of Jesus Christ. Hope 2008 is a wonderful opportunity for Churches Together in Devon to act as one body and speak with one voice in witness of our one Lord. I strongly commend all local churches to join together in this venture.’

The Right Reverend Richard Inwood - Bishop of Bedford

Our Vision for Action initiative in the Diocese of St Albans encourages churches to catch God’s vision and to take action in response. Hope 2008 is a great resource for doing just that. We are commending it widely as an excellent practical mission project.

The Rt Rev Stephen Cottrell - Bishop of Reading

"Hope 2008 provides a practical way for Christians up and down the country to demonstrate their faith by offering service to their local community. Co-ordinated resources and support are available so it is easy to get involved. It is my hope that many churches will take up this invitation so that the hope we proclaim in words may be matched by our actions."

Rt Rev Wallace Benn - Bishop of Lewes

‘Hope is a brilliant initiative that deserves our total support, and could make a huge difference to whole communities across the UK. It is the Christian faith making a difference in deed and Word. It will foster good and imaginative local initiatives. Do support it!’