Graham Cray praises a 'new imagination' about shape of future Church

Speaking to the Church of England's General Synod today (Thursday 11th February 2010), Bishop Graham Cray gave an update on the work of Fresh Expressions, saying much been achieved since the initiative's launch in 2005 but there is still a great deal to do.

We face the long haul, not the latest fad,

he warned.

Graham outlined three factors as crucial to Fresh Expressions' progress to date: a new imagination about the form or shape of church, the provision of relevant training resources, and an era of permission and encouragement by church leaders.

These three combine in a dynamic ecology. Parishes can imagine appropriate fresh expressions of church, they are not just permitted but encouraged to take the risk of starting one, and training is available to show them how.

He gave his report in the wake of Tuesday's vote by Synod to continue to encourage fresh expressions of church, alongside more traditional forms of church, as the most promising mission strategy in a fast changing culture.

Synod also pressed for a more imaginative policy of recruitment, training and deployment of ordained and lay pioneer ministers. The motion encouraged the increasing use of Bishops' Mission Orders so that fresh expressions of church can play a full part in the life of each diocese.

You can watch the report (in two parts) below.

You can download the full text of Graham's report below.

You can also download the PowerPoint presentation and accompanying audio of Graham's report using the link to the right.