A more Christ-like Church
Contemplative, compassionate and courageous for the sake of God's worldOur world is changing in unprecedented ways; we must think afresh about inequality, our communities and human identity. We need to be the best Church we can be in this time: a more Christ-like Church for the sake of God’s world. We are not the society for the preservation of old buildings (important though our heritage assets are); a church is the community of God’s people, not the building. We believe that becoming more Christ-like is about who we are called to be, not what we’re called to do. This is our common vision for every Christian in every church and school across this diocese. We want to discern what God is doing in our communities and figure out how best we can join in. The call to become more Christ-like is not the work we need to do before a new corporate strategy and a five-year plan. It is the response we are called to make. We are continually adapting and reshaping our common vision as, together, we discern God’s will. Key facts
With over 1,000 churches, schools and chaplaincies, the Diocese of Oxford is one of the largest and most complex in the Church of England. Did you know that:
What about my parish?
Statistical information is also available at parish/benefice level. You’ll find information of how to find and use your mission statistics at the link below. You can also access deprivation and poverty data for your parish.
Background to the common vision process
Our common vision process is:
Be sure to keep in touch with developments through the pages of Pathways magazine, via eNews, Bishop Steven's blog or our social media channels: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram We are called to respondThe climate emergency is one of the most pressing issues of our age. We also see a deepening mental health crisis among our young people, growing inequality across society and, in this diocese, a huge influx of new buildings and new communities (see Key Facts). We know that there is a hunger in our communities for purpose and love. Some of the key facts are challenging, but we have substantial resources that we can draw on and a willingness to act. We have listened with God to the big questions, the challenges and opportunities we have as a diocese and are responding in specific focus areas. You can find out more about the work of each focus area below:
What does this mean for my parish?There are already as many as 1,700 community action projects in this diocese and myriad stories about churches living out and spreading the good news. So what are we called to do together as the next part of this journey? How do we share in this common vision? God’s Spirit is one of infinite variety and creativity. Parishes should explore the areas of focus and consider what they mean in their local context; our vision is one that gives people, parishes and benefices the permission and opportunity to do things differently. We want to avoid the 'McDonaldisation of the Church,' and, instead, value the God-given creativity, diversity and gifts that are already present in each local church. A number of tools and resources are available to support local mission. ContemplativeMore people spending more time with God Signs of a greater sense of humility Listening more and saying less, to ourselves, our world and one another CompassionateMore time spent with more people Signs of a greater sense of forgiveness, grace and nurture Gracious welcome and hospitality; taking action for peace and justice CourageousTaking steps of faith, commitment and endurance Making a difference in our local communities Signs of reconciliation; resolving conflict and working together for peace
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