A Eucharist for 3500 people gathered in a giant marquee will be the climax of the Diocese of Oxford’s three-day ‘Unconventional’ Convention in July. The Eucharist is part of the Saturday Programme on 13 July which also includes an address by the Archbishop of Canterbury on leadership in the Church and seminars by a galaxy of international speakers. There will also be workshops and ‘hands-on’ activities for all the family.

On Thursday and Friday, 11 and 12 July, there will be keynote addresses by Karl Moore on ‘Managing change in the Church’ and by Frances Young, a Methodist minister, who has written about the theology of suffering. Four ‘Tracks’ of seminars and workshops will cover a huge range of subjects from African worship to the mission and work of the rural church. Another highlight of the convention will be worship with John Bell from the Iona Community and the award presentation for the ‘God is not Dead’ youth project, which is designed to offer people aged 11-19 an opportunity to speak out about the future of the Church.

The Anglican Bishop of Oxford, the Rt Revd Richard Harries, says, "The Diocesan Convention is a key event in our life together. It provides a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the Christian faith, to deepen our life in Christ, to share with one another in worship and to learn fresh insights on how we can share the love of God in Jesus Christ with others. It is going to be a great time and I know that God will bless us richly."

Article from: The Door