The British ambassadors, from left to right: Mark Williamson, Beverly White, Charles Wilson, and Andrew Taylor. On the far left is Olivier Fleury and Martin Hoegger is third from the right.
Everywhere, the same desire is evident: to make 2033 not just a commemoration, but a real missionary opportunity to witness together the victory of the Risen Christ. This is what we are taking away from these intense days, during which we entered into dialogue with several major Christian movements and organizations.
The Ambassadors of JC2033
At Methodist Hall, a large Methodist building in central London where the first United Nations assembly was held, we met several ambassadors of JC2033. Among them was Mark Williamson, a trainer and member of the Methodist Church who is involved in “fresh expressions” (new expressions of the Church) and sees his role as ambassador as that of a catalyst and inspirer. He does not dream of filling Wembley Stadium in 2033 “with Christians only,” but of a celebration open to all. And why not “the longest table ever set,” recalling that Jesus often manifested his Kingdom around a shared meal?
Andrew Taylor (Anglican) and Charles Wilson (Catholic), with whom we walked the road to Emmaus in 2023.
Beverly White, from an African migrant church, communications consultant for Christian associations.
Olivier Fleury reminded us that the JC2033 logo emphasizes Jesus Christ, not 2033. He announced the 20th translation of his book (into Japanese!). “The Resurrection is not an internal story, reserved for Christians, but an external story, intended for the whole world,” he said.
Among the ideas shared were a 33-mile pilgrimage, street parties, a leaders' walk, an Easter procession, a walk for Jesus, the involvement of artists, and the highlighting of the Easter traditions of different churches. Some even imagine inviting King Charles to become patron of the initiative in Great Britain.
The Thy Kingdom Come Movement
We then met Jean Kerr, a retired Anglican pastor, and Kemi Bamgbose, project manager for Thy Kingdom Come, an initiative led by the Anglican Church and based at Lambeth Palace, the seat of the Primate of the Anglican Communion.
Their mission is to invite Christians to pray faithfully for five people so that they may discover the beauty of life in Jesus Christ. Each year, this prayer culminates during the nine days between Ascension Day and Pentecost. “It is the work of the Holy Spirit,” they say simply.
Mark Williamson, Jean Kerr, Olivier Fleury, Martin Hoegger, Kemi Bamgbose
There are many links with JC2033, which also encourages Christians to pray every evening at 8:33 p.m. for three people. Thy Kingdom Come also offers resources for children and emphasizes the link between the coming of the Kingdom and repentance. For them, 2030, the 2000th anniversary of the Lord's Prayer, will be a key milestone.
The British and Foreign Bible Society
With Joanna Heath, head of international relations at the British and Foreign Bible Society, we discovered the Patmos Initiative, which studies the perception of the Bible in society. The Bible Society, in close collaboration with the Universal Bible Alliance, sees 2033 as a wonderful opportunity to bring the Scriptures into public life. But it reminds us that its role is to serve the churches. “If the churches commit themselves, we will be at their side.”
The Evangelical Alliance UK
Finally, at the headquarters of the Evangelical Alliance, its general secretary Gavin Calver delivered a stirring appeal. "2033 is an opportunity to share our hope with those around us. It is a time to pray together, to believe that our communities can be transformed by the Gospel, and that churches can work together.
So, my friends, get involved, pray, dream, make plans, work together, rejoice, and encourage each other in the knowledge that all over the world, Christians will be praying, sharing, and acting to make Jesus known. God bless you—let's go!"
We also visited the Focolare community in north London.
These days in London revealed the richness and diversity of British Christianity. Everywhere, the same call resounds: to hold together unity, witness, and celebration, and to support service to others, evangelism, prayer and love in action.
We also heard about the need for a common vision and the importance of open and popular celebrations. The danger would be to remain among Christians, far from the crowds. The march towards 2033 can become a powerful “kairos” (a favorable time) to bring the Good News of Christ's Resurrection into the public space.
Thus, a strong initiative emerges: 2033 will not be a simple commemoration, but a prophetic opportunity. Through shared meals, walks, prayers, proclamation of the Gospel, and festive celebrations, the Church is called to say to the whole world: “Christ is Risen, He is truly Risen; He opens a future of hope!”
Martin Hoegger
