The Church at the Centre of the City

This book is about the Church's presence in the centre of our cities and large towns. The central business district is being transformed. Alongside the seats of administrative and civic power and commercial enterprise, new shopping and leisure facilities appear. City centre living is in vogue. Down-town is open 24/7. For the Church this is both opportunity and challenge. For too long the special needs and circumstances of ministry in the city centre have been strangely overlooked. Yet the city centre is the living heart of urban society and is neglected at our peril.
This is the first time that a concerted attempt has been made to define and describe the many facets of city centre ministry and mission. It points to and draws on the rich tapestry of often pioneer work that is already present as old structures adapt and new enterprises are launched. At the same time, however, it is also a response to a widespread felt need for greater recognition and support for what is, in many ways a specialist, but underrated, expression of ministry. It is, therefore, an appeal to the wider Christian community to take on board this aspect of urban ministry alongside the inner-city and suburbia, especially in terms of strategy and training. For those already engaged in the exciting task of witness in the city centre, both clergy and laity, many of whom occupy key positions and exercise considerable influence, here is a chance to see themselves against a wider perspective.

The editor,The Revd Professor Paul Ballard,is Emeritus Professor in The School of Religious and Theological Studies, Cardiff University, where he taught Practical Theology.Contributors include-Noel Davies, Chris Baker, Andrew Davey, Huw Thomas, John Inge, Geoff Cornell, Peter Macdonald, Ben Edson, Barbara Glasson, John Bradbury, Cate Adams, Peter Willis, Len Simmonds, Mary Cotes, Jonathan Meyrick, Leslie Griffiths.