Archbishops sign pledge at national youth summit

News Release: 04 March 2011

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Dr Rowan Williams, and the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, have signed a pledge at a national youth summit in Sheffield along with other bishops which aims to make young people a priority in the Church of England.

The Regeneration Youth Summit was sponsored by Church Army and saw 32 bishops and 20 youth workers meet with 150 young people where they discussed the future of the church.

The Archbishops and bishops spent time participating in discussion groups with the 15 to 21 year olds who had travelled from across the country.

Throughout the day, the groups took part in creative ideas sessions, prayed for the church and recorded their feedback on film.

At the end of the summit a communion service was held and everyone attending was invited to sign a pledge to commit themselves to the work of the church and young people.

In his address to the summit the Archbishop of Canterbury encouraged those attending to think about how the church can keep Christians growing.

He said: “A living church is one that keeps you growing all through your life, and any answer to the questions we’ve been thinking about today, has to be something that keeps you moving, keeps you growing and that doesn’t leave you in your comfort zone...”

The Archbishop of York, in his address, challenged the young people to “take risks for Christ” and reminded them that “youthfulness isn’t a barrier to people being used by God.”

He said: “When you are young you can afford to make as many mistakes as you like providing you learn from them. And when you are young it is very easy to get up from those mistakes. And when you are young it is possible to take risks for Christ. May I encourage you to take risks for Christ.”

Regeneration was led by the youngest member of General Synod, Sam Follett, 20, with the help of Church Army’s Chief Executive, Mark Russell, 36.

Mark Russell said: “Regeneration has filled me with such joy and hope for the future. It’s been so exciting to see young people’s passion for the church and their commitment to Christ - I hope they went away encouraged that the church and its leaders are also passionate about them! I cannot wait to see how God is going to impact the wider church through this event which has marked a turning point for the next generation. “

The event was sponsored by Church Army with the support of The Archbishop of York Youth Trust.

Read more in The Yorkshire Post and The Sheffield Star.