Mr Steele – who has spearheaded Start the Ultimate Relationship – reflects that the reality has been different to the expectations when the idea was first discussed at a meeting of 12 Sydney Anglican ministers in August last year.

“We originally began the discussion for some sort of united mission that would work to capitalise on the increase in ‘God talk’ we anticipated would come as a result of World Catholic Youth Day,” he says.

“I think the importance of World Catholic Youh Day was not as great as expected.”

Mr Steele asserts however that the benefits of churches working together under a common brand, with congregations taking a week off work to get involved, has made Start the Ultimate Relationship an important beginning.

“Without wanting to prejudge, I think it’s likely that we and other churches will do this together in future, with common branding and shared resources.

Originally published on SydneyAnglicans.net by Natasha Percy on 20 August 2008.