The harsh realities of the Soviet era continue to cast a shadow. While attitudes towards the church were previously ambiguous, imposed atheism and the persecution of believers (from brutal force to subtle harassment) have left the community of faith scarred and society deeply sceptical.

Yet there is growing interest in the spiritual. Evangelical and charismatic congregations, along with new worshipping communities, are connecting with those exploring faith and seeing small yet consistent growth. We seek to join in with what God has started in one such community, a small Anglican congregation in the city of Brno, to see a vibrant Christian community develop.

Planted in 2011 following requests for worship, the congregation meets for monthly evening services. We dream of seeing this become a Christian community (of both Czechs and internationals) committed to the practice of missional hospitality, blessing the city and connecting with the significant student population. We want to encounter God through exploring the Bible, breaking bread together and developing a church community where everyone can play their part in the mission of God.

Brno, a former industrial centre and the Czech Republic’s second largest and fastest growing city after Prague, has reimagined itself as a centre for technology, engineering and research. It is a young city, home to six public universities and 80,000 students. We know the city from Petra’s family connections and time studying there.