The Church Of Ireland
Press Release

A major spiritual and social care programme is launched today by the Church of Ireland in County Antrim.

More than 100,000 people in 77 parishes, including the university campuses in Belfast, Jordanstown and Coleraine are involved in the "Building for Generations" campaign that will give fresh focus to Christian mission and ministry in the community.

Bishop James Moore is leading the campaign which is one of the most imaginative ever undertaken in the Diocese of Connor.

Bishop Moore said: "This campaign signals a new and dynamic approach to the work of the church in County Antrim. We are going for the growth of the Kingdom in mission and ministry.

"It is about re-building broken lives and families; renewing a sense of adventure and purpose in young people and restoring dignity and a sense of well-being among the elderly."

The "Building for Generations" campaign uses a video which examines many facets of modern life and challenges Christians to work out their faith in a rapidly changing society.

A 12-page colour brochure sets out the campaign strategy, including the funding of on-going initiatives.

"Partnership is the key: working together, supporting the community, sharing talents and strengths," said Bishop Moore. "This is a very exciting initiative that will help us clarify our priorities for the new millennium."

The first "building block" event in the campaign will be "Generation Day" at the Diamond Hall of the University of Ulster in Coleraine on Saturday, 7 October.

"Generation Day" programme co-ordinator is Archdeacon Alan Harper, Rector of St John's Parish in Belfast.

Archdeacon Harper said: "We hope to make the day a day of celebration with 1000 people taking part in an Act of Worship and coming together to consider aspects of our mission and ministry in County Antrim.

"Our mission strategy concerns young people, retired people, family support and training for clergy and lay people. We will also consider communications both within the church family and in the wider community."

Massed choirs from Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart will lead the singing on "Generation Day" and Bishop Moore will give the keynote address.

"The Connor Pilgrim", a steam train provided by the Northern Ireland Railways Preservation Society, will bring people to the "Generation Day" event.

"On the day we will build up a head of steam one way or another", said Archdeacon Harper.

The train will start from Whitehead picking up passengers at Belfast Central, Lisburn, Antrim and Ballymena. It will make the return journey around 7pm.

In November a series of follow-up events will be held in various centres around County Antrim.