A THOUSAND HUNDREDS

A THOUSANDHUNDREDS

HOW YOU CAN HELP US SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH

It was, in the end, two American parishes in Virginia going over from the Anglican Communion to the Archbishop of Nigeria that did it. And as a result, the broad, worldwide Anglican organization known as InclusiveChurch is doing two things: making a stand, and starting an appeal.

We know we don't have much time.

The decision for everyone to go their separate ways could be taken at the Lambeth Conference next year. Meetings leading up to it start next month.

You can help, whether you're not a regular churchgoer or not, by contributing to our A ThousandHundreds campaign. We're looking for thousand donations of a hundred pounds.

Who we are.

InclusiveChurch consists of Anglicans who were happily minding their own version of the Anglican business until pushed. Many priests and bishops are members, as well as churchgoers and, increasingly, people who simply care.

Why we want A ThousandHundreds.

So that InclusiveChurch can really make a case for an open, broad and inclusive Anglican Communion. We need the resources to be able to make a real contribution to the preparations for the Lambeth Conference, be at the Conference itself, and follow it up afterwards. We also need to provide resources to people who are keen to promote classical, generous Anglicanism. We need at least a small office and a General Secretary. £100,000 will enable us to have the resources we need for the next two years. We won't ask for funding again within two years, if this appeal is successful.

Who we're up against.

We find ourselves up against people who, quite simply, insist on excluding themselves from the most inclusive church that has ever been. That is not, of course, how they would put it. On the contrary, they keep on wanting to exclude others from the church. They call themselves names like 'Reform'. They issue grand-sounding Covenants. But in the end, they want to slam their church doors shut. They don't much want women priests, they certainly don't want women bishops. As for gays, it seems that they don't want them in church, or in the community, or in the country.

We aren't saying that everyone should think the same.

We are saying we believe the church should have room for a breadth of views and a breadth of people. We value diversity because it is God given.

What are our chances?

Is it wishy-washy to have gays in the office? Is it 'liberal' for an organization or a business to have female directors in the year 2007? Where have you been? Yes, we admit that we are not professional politicians. But in the end, our chances of winning the battle to keep our church fair and inclusive are high, because we're fighting for basic decency.

Want to help?

We ask you either to send a cheque for £100 with a Gift Aid form, or a Standing Order form for £5/month over the next two years (with Gift Aid donation) to the address below.

And please PASS THIS ON to at least three people who you think might be willing to support InclusiveChurch's aims.

You will receive a Certificate to confirm that you are part of the InclusiveChurch ThousandHundreds campaign.

Finally, please pray for the whole Anglican Communion at this time, and for InclusiveChurch.

THANK YOU

Giles Goddard, Chair, IC

On behalf of the InclusiveChurch Executive Committee

office@inclusivechurch.net

For more information or to download forms, please go to the Gift Aid form on www.inclusivechurch.net/news.html and/or the Standing Order form on www.inclusivechurch.net/news.html

InclusiveChurch

c/o St Matthew's Church

21 Great Peter Street

Westminster SW1P 2BU