Youth and the Church

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By Ultan Russell, Archdiocesan Ecumenical Officer

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Two central events took place during Unity Week for the Churches Together in Merseyside (CTMR). Firstly, the Two Cathedrals Service on 26 January at the Anglican Cathedral, at which Archbishop Malcolm McMahon preached. Secondly, the annual forum where church leaders and denominational representatives met to reflect on a key area of concern. Last year’s topic was ‘Multi-racial Church’ and this year it was ‘Young People’.

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The forum began with worship led by the Rev. Phil Jump, the CTMR chair and regional minister for the NW Baptist Association. He underlined the long and fruitful history of interchurch relations on Merseyside. The prayers used reflected the writings of the Early Fathers, marking 1,700 years since the First Council of Nicaea.

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Among those attending, it was discovered that everyone had come to their faith before the age of 26. The challenge, then, is as follows: where is the future church when so few people under 26 are present in the vast majority of congregations?

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Alice Tonks, a Salvation Army youth worker, stressed the complex world in which young people live today — social media, artificial intelligence, and vastly different social and cultural attitudes compared to past generations. It can be difficult for those with a heart for Jesus to know where and how to express faith. Alice posed a question to those attending: “What are we as a church prepared to sacrifice?”

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Mike Sutcliffe, a children’s worker for the Liverpool South circuit, asked: “How do we help people under 26 to know that Jesus is their firm foundation?” Meanwhile, Esther Walters, an intern at Maghull Baptist Church, stressed that adaptability is key in ensuring young people participate and that our ways of expressing faith must evolve. Jesus was adaptable and approachable, focusing on the individual — the woman at the well, the rich young man, lepers, and outcasts. She asked: “What is the biggest barrier in our church that prevents people under 26 from engaging?”

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After group work, the following insights were shared:

• “A generous budget allocation is needed for youth and children’s work.”

• “Honest sharing is vital rather than avoiding difficult issues.”

• “We must not dictate the journey of young people.”

• “We need concern for people’s whole needs, not just faith.”

• “Young people are very Biblical, and their concern for justice, peace, poverty, and the environment shames the older generation.”

• “Young people are not all the same, and both cathedrals have many young people engaged in traditional activities.”

• “We must recognize that cultural change is not always bad.”

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Among those participating from the Archdiocese of Liverpool were Sister Moira Meeghan, sharing the creative and inclusive initiatives she is engaged with as an outreach worker at the Irenaeus Centre; Pat Murphy, the Archdiocesan Representative on the National Board of Catholic Women, who brought her vast experience of Lourdes and the faith it ignites in young people; and Marie-Therese Lacey, who offers sensitive pastoral care as a chaplain at Liverpool Hope University, operating in an ecumenical context.

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A prayer from Pope Francis for Young People:

 

Lord Jesus, your Church turns her attention to all the young people of the world. We pray that they might boldly take charge of their lives, aim for the most beautiful and profound things in life, and always keep their hearts unencumbered.

 

Accompanied by wise and generous guides, help them respond to the call you make to each of them, to realize a proper plan of life and achieve happiness. Keep their hearts open to dreaming great dreams and make them concerned for the good of others.

 

Like the Beloved Disciple, may they stand at the foot of the Cross, to receive your Mother as a gift from you. May they be witnesses to your Resurrection and be aware that you are at their side as they joyously proclaim you as Lord. Amen.