Update on Called to Bear Fruit renewal - July 2026
Archbishop John Wilson issues update on Called to Bear Fruit renewal
Archbishop John has written to parishes across the Archdiocese, giving an update on the Called to Bear Fruit renewal process, following last year's consultation.
Archbishop John explains that the consultation was about helping the Archdiocese become more fully what God is calling it to be: a Church equipped for mission. He writes:
"That mission is to proclaim the Gospel faithfully and in all its fullness, so that each of us is an evangelising disciple who loves the Lord Jesus, knows that they are loved by him, and wants others to encounter that love too."
This missionary renewal requires each of us to be an evangelising disciple, who truly loves the Lord Jesus and wants others to know his love too. The Archbishop said:
"This is what an evangelising disciple truly is: someone who has encountered Christ so deeply that they cannot help but share his love with others. This must be the heart of missionary renewal."
Archbishop John reports that action is already underway on many of the fifteen action points identified through the consultation. This includes investment of people, time and resources in the Southwark Catholic Youth Service, after engaging young people emerged as the Archdiocese's most urgent priority.
The Archbishop also highlighted the growing work of the Agency for Evangelisation and Catechesis' Some Definite Service, which is building networks of deanery mentors and parish leads so that good practice can be shared more widely across parishes.
Looking ahead, the Archbishop confirmed that discernment on the next phase of renewal continues, with a further update to be provided in the autumn.
He closed with a message of thanks and encouragement to the whole Archdiocese:
"Please continue to live as missionary disciples who not only love the Lord, but also help others to encounter and love him."
You can read the full letter below.
