Bath and Wells 1100th - Bath Wells 1100 years on

1100 years on - Christians Together

Since AD909 Christians have expanded into numerous denominations/groups, yet as AD2009 approaches we are drawing closer together again.

Next year we shall be working closely together and be involved in all aspects of this extraordinary anniversary.

1100 years of the Church in Somerset

1100 years is a long running success story! Those 1100 years have seen some changes. For over half those years, the Church in Somerset was Roman Catholic - before Henry Vlll and Elizabeth l thought of claiming independence from Rome. Since then, for more than half of the rest of the time, the Methodists were still part of the Church of England, in that they had not yet split off. So for the 1100 celebrations in 2009, we can celebrate together.

For the last 100 years, there has been a developing recognition that our denominational splits are hindering our spreading the Good News that God in Jesus Christ is making His creation an even better place. Now we live, work, play, and pray with a growing respect for what each of us can contribute to bring Jesus' Kingdom of God closer for all who want to be part of it. The Church of England's new Common Worship book sums it up when it says ". . . with signs of faith and words of hope, he (Jesus) touched untouchables with love and washed the guilty clean."

Faith is back in the ‘Public Square'. Our mission is being respected by secular Government as well as being an imperative in the Churches. In a recent Cabinet Office & Treasury report it says The Government recognizes the vital contribution faith communities make to society. Faith communities can make a difference in ways that governments cannot, . . "

2009 is the year to work together to show the world that our faith makes the difference that makes a difference

One giant step for the church has been the development of Local Ecumenical Partnerships (LEPs). These are often but not always where Christians Together in a new community have worked together to build a new church and community facility. In other cases, existing churches - sometimes very old ones, have formed a similar partnership which celebrates their common life and witness together and at the same time keep their original Churches and identities. The map below shows where they are and a click will provide more information.

You can find out more about Christians working together at the Somerset Churches Together website.