Archbishop Tutu launches Xplore in Sheffield

30 October 2009

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the President of Church Army, will visit Sheffield on 2 November to launch the Xplore global gap-year programme 2009/2010 for young people aged 18-25.

The Archbishop has already declared himself a big fan of Xplore with these words: "I am passionate about helping young people realise how important they are to God and how he can use them to make the world a better place. As Church Army's President I'm excited to be in Sheffield to launch Xplore as I believe it is a wonderful programme. I encourage young people to join Xplore!"

Xplore is the first scheme of its kind to be based in Sheffield. The programme was originally developed in Liverpool, and has seen young people placed in countries such as Kenya, Canada, Australia, Jamaica, USA and New Zealand. It gives its young people 14 weeks training in Sheffield, alongside Church Army Evangelists based there, and is followed by a front-line placement - from January - in one of the countries named above or Barbados and the UK. Desmond Tutu

Gemma Bond, aged 19, from Sheffield was on the programme last year, and is now an Xplore team member. "My placement was in Australia and I didn't really know what to expect, but I learnt so much about 'being church' in those five months. It has transformed how I see my life and my relationship with God, but has also had an impact on those around me."

And the Bishop of Sheffield, the Rt Revd Steven Croft, has welcomed the global gap-year programme to his city: "I am delighted that Xplore is to have such a strong base in Sheffield and such able leadership. The programme will be a real blessing to the whole church in the years to come."

There will be a press conference at 11am on 2 November, at Church Army's Wilson Carlile Centre in Sheffield, where the new film on Xplore will also be shown.

To see this short film featuring the new Xplorers go to the Xplore Website and click on Quotes & Stories.