Capital Mass launch: St Paul’s crypt fills with active compassion

Over 200 people came together in the crypt of St Paul’s Cathedral to celebrate the launch of Capital Mass, a joint venture between the Church Urban Fund and the Diocese of London.

VIEW ALL PICTURES FROM THE LAUNCH

Organised in partnership with St Paul’s Institute, the launch created a dynamic market place of charities and social initiatives. More than 20 organisations were represented through speakers, stalls and installations, with dozens more present as guests, highlighting the broad range of work helping to mitigate poverty and inequality throughout London.

The Dean of St Paul’s Cathedral, the Very Revd Dr David Ison, applauded the depth of action and experience emerging from those attending the event.  He congratulated all present: “Whether you are working in a parish, a donor, working in a charity, looking for volunteer opportunities  or already working with people who need you, each of you are here because you have heard a call to a higher purpose. Whatever your vocation, you are helping to build God’s kingdom.”

The Bishop of London, the Rt Revd and Rt Hon Dr Richard Chartres, highlighted the connection with Capital Vision 2020 and in particular its focus on bringing people in the Church together to be “Confident, Compassionate and Creative.”

The stage was handed over to Capital Mass's Chairman, the Bishop of Stepney, the Rt Revd Adrian Newman, who alongside Paul Hackwood from the Church Urban Fund noted the high-level of positive work on poverty throughout the Diocese, reminding all that there was still much to be done.

'The welfare of London'

Executive Director of Capital Mass Andy Burns opened proceedings. He said: "What I enjoyed about the launch of Capital Mass was the spirit of celebration and connection. The atmosphere richly celebrating the church in action combined with a desire to connect with key parishes and partners as together we seek the welfare of London.  

"It’s our prayer that Capital Mass will pick up this energy and through connecting parishes to the rich talent in our diocese, to add value into the lives of Londoners."   

Take a look through the work and get involved with some of the organisations represented during the evening:

Acts 435 – www.acts435.org.uk
A Rocha UK – www.arocha.org.uk
Beyond the Streets –   www.beyondthestreets.org.uk
Caring for Ex-Offenders – www.caringforexoffenders.org
Christians Against Poverty – www.capuk.org
Church Credit Champions Network – www.toyourcredit.org.uk/credit-champions
Church Urban Fund – www.cuf.org.uk
Citizens UK – www.citizensuk.org
City YMCA – www.cityymca.org
Clean for Good – www.theology-centre.org.uk/clean-for-good
The Centre for Theology & Community – www.theology-centre.org.uk
East to West – www.easttowest.org.uk
Glass Door – www.glassdoor.org.uk
Hope in Tottenham –www.hopeintottenham.com
Housing Justice – www.housingjustice.org.uk
JustShare – www.justshare.org.uk
Livability – www.livability.org.uk
London City Gateway – home.citygateway.org.uk
Make Lunch – www.makelunch.org.uk
Parish Nursing Ministries UK – www.parishnursing.org.uk
Praxis Community Projects – www.praxis.org.uk
Refugee Support Network – www.refugeesupportnetwork.org
Resurgo – www.resurgo.org.uk
St Peter’s Bethnal Green – www.stpetersbethnalgreen.org
The Children’s Society – www.childrenssociety.org.uk
Trust for London – www.trustforlondon.org.uk