John Stott 'optimistic' after Congress

This article appeared in the Conference edition of the Church of England Newspaper on 23 September 2003 and is reproduced here with their permission.

John Stott, one of the founding fathers of NEAC, has commended the latest conference and spoken of his optimism for the future.

Affectionately referred to as the elder statesman of evangelicalism, he has given his blessing to those trying to build on the work that he started, praising the great organisation of NEAC4.

One aspect that has particularly pleased him is the passion of the speakers: "They're not just lectures, but they're coming from people who are fired up personally with what they're talking about."

Despite the concerns of some at the conference at the forming of evangelical splinter groups, Dr Stott expressed his hopes for unity. "For the future I long that we will go away from Blackpool with a new determination to work together as evangelicals."

He said that the three themes of the conference, Bible, Cross and Mission could be a marvellous basis to go "forward on our mission with the cross at the centre, based on the sure foundation of scripture."