Newsletter

I began the year with a consultation of Christian leaders, an informal gathering from across the whole body of Christ. We felt a strong conviction God was urging us to pursue greater unity and cooperation, with Jesus Christ at the centre. For it is as members together of the body of Christ (rather than united around some external issue like apartheid or poverty) that we belong together. Having had our ears opened in this way, we aim to come closer to each other, and hope we will go on to speak more effectively – demonstrating unity in Christ, even in our diversity. Fundamentally, it is of course Jesus himself whom we most need to receive, and in turn must share with the world

With awe and wonder we reflect on how the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us (Jn 1:14), and, emptying himself and being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Phil 2:7,8). As the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (Jn 1:29), he shows the greatest love of all, laying down his life for his friends (Jn 15:13); and though he wrestled in prayer asking that if possible, that cup might pass him by, more than this, he committed himself to the will of God the Father (Mk 14:36), for he knew, as he had already told his followers, that the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many (Mk 10:45).