English bishops issue pastoral letter on mercy and evangelization

September 14, 2015

The bishops of England and Wales have issued a pastoral letter on mission and mercy.

The key to effective evangelization, said the bishops, is “to be ready to live constantly in the presence of God, knowing that God never takes his eyes off us, not to catch us out, but because he loves us so much.”

“When we are constantly aware of that loving gaze which is upon us, and of the mercy and encouragement that flows our way, then we are enabled to look on others in the same way,” they continued, adding:

These are the foundations of evangelization. On them, other steps can be built: the opportunity to speak about our faith; the expression of that love in programs of action towards those most in need; a loving care for those who have been hurt by life and hurt within the Church, for whom any return to the practice of their faith is particularly difficult. In this effort for evangelization we seek out ways of accompanying others, through friendship, through prayer, through conversation, so that they sense in us the welcome that God most certainly extends to them. Our efforts need not be complicated or heroic.

 

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Further information:

• Catholic Bishops issue national message focussing on Pope Francis’ call to Mission and Mercy (Catholic Church in England and Wales)