Held at London’s Royal Albert Hall on 4 – 5 May 2026, the Alpha Leadership Conference brought together thousands of Christian leaders from many traditions and countries for two days of worship, teaching, prayer and conversation. The gathering focused on the call to lead with confidence in Christ in a changing world, with the theme “An Unshakeable Kingdom, in a Shaking World” resonating strongly throughout the conference.
For those attending from Aotearoa New Zealand, it was an encouraging time of seeing how God is at work in different places and contexts. With around 6,000 people present and more than 70 countries represented, there was also a strong Catholic presence among those gathered. Alongside the main sessions, many reflected on what renewed openness to faith, hospitality and evangelisation might look like in our own communities here at home.
Reflecting on the experience, Fr Nathaniel Tat Brazil, parish priest of Immaculate Conception Parish in Stratford, shared the following:
“My experience attending the Alpha Tour, Convention, and Divine Renovation in London a month ago completely changed my perception of the Church in Europe. Like many people, I had believed that the Church in Europe was dying because of what is often shown in the media—abandoned churches, declining attendance, and fewer people practicing the faith. However, during my visit, I witnessed many thriving and growing parishes and communities. I realized that this growth was not simply because of the people leading them or the clergy, but because they were truly open to the Holy Spirit and His gifts.
“One of the greatest blessings of the trip was the inspiration I received from the speakers, panels, and people I encountered. It was a privilege to hear the story of how Alpha began and to witness how, from one church in central London, it became a worldwide movement. I was deeply moved by the testimonies of people from different parts of the world whose lives had been transformed through Alpha. The program helped people feel welcomed and reminded them that there is more to life than what our naked eyes can see.
“I was especially inspired by a young layperson who courageously started Alpha in his community without the support of his parish at first. Through faith, commitment, and perseverance, almost a thousand young people attended Alpha, and eventually the parish recognized and supported the mission. Seeing this inspired me greatly and awakened in me, as a priest, the importance of cultivating leaders within the Church and encouraging young people to respond to God’s call.
“I was also deeply impressed by St. Elizabeth Parish in Richmond, South London, which truly lived out the principles of Divine Renovation: the primacy of evangelization, the best of leadership, and the power of the Holy Spirit. I admired how they maintained the reverence and traditions of the Church while also creating a strong culture of hospitality and welcome.
“This entire experience encouraged me to dream bigger, rely more deeply on the Holy Spirit, and live without fear, remembering the words of St. Paul in Romans 8:11: “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you … he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.””
The Catholic Kiwi contingent, l-r: Fr Simon Story, Cheryl Surrey, Carly Mulqueen, Bishop John Adams, Fr Marcus Francis, and Fr Nathaniel Brazil.
Photo: Catholic Enquiry Centre