HOPE makes significant impact

Theos press release on the impact of HOPE08

20 March 2009

83% of HOPE08 locations believe that the project made a tangible difference to their communities, according to an independent report on the initiative published today (20 March 2009) by Theos, the public theology think tank.

HOPE08 was an initiative of churches across the UK which aimed to equip churches to do mission in words and actions in villages, towns and cities.

The Theos report was commissioned by the board of HOPE08 and funded by the Epworth Trust of the Methodist Church. The report reveals that HOPE activities were registered in 1,478 locations throughout the UK, exceeding the original 500 locations identified by HOPE as ideal places for a HOPE presence. 360 lives were saved through blood donor drives as a result of HOPE.

The findings of the report also indicate that HOPE had a positive ecumenical impact. 88.2% of HOPE participants polled by Theos said that their church's attitude towards other denominations had improved as a result of the initiative. In areas where inter-church partnerships were already in place, 71% believed that those working relationships had been strengthened.

Commenting on the launch of the report, the Chair of HOPE08, and the new General Director of the Evangelical Alliance, Steve Clifford, said:

"The passion and drive of the church in the UK is amazing, and we saw involvement from a huge variety of denominations and church streams. Thousands and thousands of churches took the 'do more, do it together and do it in word and action' challenge of HOPE08 and made it their own."

Paul Woolley, Director of Theos, the public theology think tank, added:

"The aim of the report was to record the extent and nature of HOPE-generated activity across the UK during 2008, and to identify successes and areas for improvement. We hope that the final report and its findings will not only give an accurate historical account of what happened, but will also support individuals and organisations planning similar initiatives in the future."

The Theos report notes that large churches often question the benefits of an association with national campaigns. Still, initiatives like HOPE can encourage churches to relate and work together in reaching out to their communities. The report recommends that future planning of initiatives consider how to encourage large churches to serve smaller churches as an expression of their commitment to the wider Christian community.