At the May meeting this year of the General Synod of the Church of Ireland, the Archbishop of Armagh in his presidential address said that the Church needs "a broader and deeper understanding of contemporary mission", and that "mission begins when we meet people at their point of need". He described evangelism as "the work of transformation".
"The role of the Church in good times and in bad is to stand alongside those who are finding it hardest to cope, whatever their circumstances ; to exhibit in practical and personal ways the loving concern of God for all people, but especially for the vulnerable ; and to be a beacon of hope to the living, for nothing is more spiritually, socially and physically restorative than live and hope."
"We have to shape our life and institutions at all levels to reflect these priorities. We need to be less concerned about defending the institution and more concerned about enhancing the lives of people."
His words surely apply not only to the Church of Ireland but to all Christian churches.
