The Transforming Communities Department exists:
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To discern the movement of the Spirit addressing issues of social care, justice and environmental concern
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To facilitate the Christ-like transformation of local churches engaging with their communities
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To support partners expressing God’s love for His world
Much of the work of the department is a continuation of the mission and ministry of the Department of Social Responsibility, with a particular emphasis on putting parishes first and helping churches serve their local communities. There is a recognition of the changing political scene in which the Big Society needs local groups to be involved in building up social cohesion and in the delivery of services to support the vulnerable. For this, the historical parochial system of the Church of England is well placed.
The department’s concerns include areas such as: accessibility and disability; debt counselling; diversity and inclusivity; elderly; environmental concerns; family support; health, mental health and well-being; homelessness; offenders and prisons; interfaith relationships; issues of human sexuality; refugees, asylum seekers and migrant workers; rural matters; work and the economy. There is a growing network of links with individuals and groups specialising in each of these areas. There are close links with World Mission supporting Fairtrade and other matters of joint concern.
Staff and Contact Details
General Correspondence
Transforming Communities,
The Small Street Centre,
1a Small Street,
Walsall, WS1 3PR
Email
Director of Transforming Communities
Revd David Primrose
01922 707864 (answerphone)
07975 644044
Email
The Revd David Primrose is Diocesan Director of Transforming Communities, this post replacing that of the Director of Social Responsibility. He served as a parish priest in the Diocese of Gloucester till November 2010, with extensive experience in the voluntary and statutory sectors. Previously he had worked as a Mission Partner in Pakistan, and as a Probation Officer in Bristol.
Transforming Communities Assistant
Revd Ruth Brooker
01922 707864
Email
Diocesan Officer for Mission in the Economy
Revd Bill Mash
Black Country Urban Industrial Mission
01902 710407
Email
Diocesan Environmental Officer
Revd Paul Cawthorne
01952 510333
Email
Rural Officers
Revd Peter Dakin (Archdeaconry of Stoke-upon-Trent)
01782 397073
Email
Revd Chris Penn (Archdeaconry of Salop)
01691 831211
Email
The department works alongside many organizations including BCUIM - Chaplains seeking to connect church and economy in th Black Country
Church Urban Fund - Christians tackling poverty in England
Community Chaplaincy Schemes - Providing support to people leaving prison
Hospital, Hospice and Mental Health Chaplaincies - Contact details for chaplains Minority Ethnic Anglican Concerns - Offers advice and resources on ethnic difference
Mothers Union - Encouraging loving, respectful and flourishing relationships
Prison Chaplaincies - Serving the needs of prisoners, their families and staff
Saltbox - Identifies potential partnerships in statutory, voluntary and community sectors
Sandwell Church Links - Promoting social inclusion
Street Pastors - Teams that help people on the streets on Friday and Saturday nights
Walsall Church Links - Offers support to churches and voluntary organisations
Wolverhampton InterFaith Regeneration Network - Works with the faith communities to nurture mutual understanding
Project support is available from many of the above organizations, and from Diocesan Officers specialising in church buildings.
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