What Church Leaders in Ireland say about Alpha

Cardinal Sean Brady, Catholic Archbishop of Armagh

“Alpha has developed a reputation as an inspirational programme of Christian Education and formation, producing excellent results and having a long-lasting and positive effect for those who participate and beyond. I pray…that it, may continue to grow and develop.”

Archbishop Robin Eames, Former Church of Ireland Archbishop of Armagh

“Alpha has opened the doors to a living faith in Jesus Christ for many people. I have seen much evidence of this in my pastoral work over the years. I warmly commend Alpha as a means of introducing the Christian path to those who are seeking a new relationship with Christ and to those who want to deepen their on-going pilgrimage.”

Bishop Donal McKeown, Auxiliary Catholic Bishop of Down & Connor, Belfast

“The Alpha course… provides an opportunity to learn about the Christian faith in a way that recognises people’s need to belong as a key part of their journey of belief. It offers an opportunity to see clearly the key points of the Christian kerygma, and thus provides a basis for a deeper catechesis and a growth in spirituality”

Archbishop John Neill, Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin

“Alpha brings us back to the basic relationship with Jesus Christ. Alpha works really well because it helps create a sense of community; a place where people are called by their first names. It is a clear and simple presentation of the good news about Jesus….I have no hesitation whatsoever in commending the Alpha course and encouraging people to do it.”

Rev. Dr. Trevor Morrow - Former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church

“Alpha is an excellent way for people from all backgrounds and points of view to learn more about the Christian Faith. I commend it to all”

Gerard Gallagher - Office of Evangelisation, Dublin

“On the basis of all the changes that have taken place in Ireland recently, I think that Alpha offers a unique chance of presenting the message of Jesus Christ to another generation of young Irish people”

Harold Miller - Church of Ireland Bishop of Down and Dromore

“I have seen Alpha change churches! Not only does it change those who participate in it, but it can give to churches a new direction and purpose in outreach. My hope is that every church will have some means by which people who are seeking can explore and be drawn into the fullness of faith in Christ. Alpha is one of the best ways of doing it. Try it out in your church soon”

Bishop William Walsh - Catholic Diocese of Kilaloe

“Adult catechesis ought to be an ongoing element in the life of our Church. The Alpha programme responds in a very effective way to need for such catechesis”

Rev. Dr. Ken Newell, Former Moderator Presbyterian Church

“Alpha is a valuable resource in making God known, loved and served. It helps many people who are seeking a spiritually fuller, deeper and richer life to experience the welcome of the Church and to discover the friendship of Jesus Christ”

What International Church Leaders say

Archbishop George Carey, Former Archbishop of Canterbury

“I think it’s superb. I commend it wholeheartedly.”

Archbishop Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury

What Alpha has to offer is a unique mixture of Christian content and Christian style. I recommend it as a very special tool of evangelism”

Cardinal Phillippe Barbarin, Archbishop of Lyon, France

“What Alpha gives and communicates renews the life of the church and opens up the path of faith to people who were not open to it.”

Cardinal Keith O’Brien, Archbishop of Edinburgh, Scotland

A priority for me on my appointment as Cardinal was the re-christianisation of Scotland. I see the Alpha Course as a very important tool for this … It is one of the great ways in which people can … deepen in their knowledge and love of Jesus Christ”

Joel Edwards, Former General Director Evangelical Alliance

“The great command to make disciples of all people is still relevant today. Alpha provides us with a contemporary response to cringe free evangelism which deserves the increasing profile it is currently receiving. It is a relevant way for people of all origins and ideals to learn more about the Christian Faith. I would recommend it everyone”

Charles Colson, Founder, Prison Fellowship Ministries

“I rejoice at how God is using Alpha so powerfully to renew many churches both inside and outside prison walls”