Discipleship
The Archbishop asks the critical question of our time; Who is Jesus and what does he mean for those who put their trust in him?
Victor Hugo said that, "There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world: and that is, an idea whose time has come". Corporate-discipleship: fraternal-belonging was Jesus' big idea, and plan for the renewal of society; a catalyst and engine for building God's Kingdom. His idea, which has lasted over the centuries, was simply this: a mixed community of sinners called to be saints, a divine society where the risen Christ in the midst of it is grace and truth, and the Holy Spirit is at work within it.
An inclusive and generous friendship, where each person is affirmed as of infinite worth, dignity and influence. A community of love, overflowing in gratitude and wholehearted surrender, because it participates in the life of God.
This corporate-discipleship, we call the Church, worships God and infects the world with righteousness.
This is an edited extract from the Archbishop's Inauguration Sermon Delivered at York Minster on 30 November 2005