This issue of Vista is the first of three which will reflect discussion themes of the Lausanne Europe 2020 Gathering to be held later this year. Each article in this issue focuses on a different aspect of how we encourage discipleship in 21st Century Europe.

Each of us has a perspective on Europe which is unique and valuable, but it is not the whole picture. To see what is really happening with mission in Europe we need to see Europe from different points of view.

‘Polarisation’ and ‘fragmentation’ are two words being used to describe the political landscape within Europe. So much for politics – what about the Church and mission in Europe? Are we equally polarised and fragmented in our views? Do we only listen to the voices that we agree with, or are we open to learning from those with whom we may disagree?

This issue of Vista tackles the complex issue of Nominal Christianity. The lead article by Evert van de Poll provides a description of the phenomenon and traces its essential parameters. We then reproduce the Lausanne Statement on Nominal Christianity which resulted from a consultation in Rome 2018.