In a comedic theatre production sometime ago, a woman who wanted to leave behind her life as a ‘country bumpkin’ and upgrade her status by going to live in the city was heard to remark, “I want to taste some of that great city life too and get a chance like everyone else to eat food out of a tin!” Perhaps you saw that performance. And while the attitude may be exaggerated, it is symptomatic of a growing trend of migration from rural to urban areas. It is happening in almost every country of the world.

Overcrowded Cities are Commonplace Today

At the beginning of the present century, statistics showed that more than half of the world’s population lived in urban areas. Indeed, cities that house upwards of ten million people are now the norm. (Dictionary of Mission Theology 2007, p. 419)

The Problem of Social Decay

We are familiar too with the problems that this concentration of people in cities creates. Go through any ghetto or deprived area and you will see the story etched on the broken and scarred landscape: derelict dwellings, filthy streets, hopeless people wandering aimlessly or plying illicit trades, the weight of civil and ethnic unrest, urban sprawl—an undignified spread of all that adds to inhumane living conditions…

Ironically, this migration from rural to urban areas is happening because people are searching for better lives, but often expectations are not met in the city, so many people find themselves worse off than before their move. Many face low wages and high living costs. Many have no job and no wages at all. Governments find it increasingly difficult to provide adequate, affordable housing and other physical utilities that are essential for the masses of city dwellers. As service providers for people everywhere, the Church of England in the city is also increasingly coming up against challenges in how to meet the needs of the potentially rich harvest of souls sitting on its doorstep. (Dictionary of Mission Theology 2007, p. 419)

Is There a Role for the Church?

So what exactly is the Church’s role in dealing with these and other so called urban issues? As outlined in the General Synod Paper, The Urban Renaissance and the Church of England (2002), the Church’s role is ‘far more than a short-term crusade or burst of activity.’ The paper states that the challenge facing the Church is whether it ‘is able to lay foundations for its presence and witness in the twenty-first century that [will] enable it to address deep rooted situations, as well as engage directly and consistently with change as it happens in our society.’

We Can Make a Difference!

Rev. Dr. Andrew Davey, Policy Adviser for Community and Urban Affairs within the Church of England, believes that individuals and Churches can make a difference to the concerns in urban communities. “This can happen,” he said, “as we discern the needs of our communities and take stock of the potential resources that we have to meet the challenges. It is important that the rich church listens to the experience of the church in areas of deprivation and gives space to that voice which may not always be as articulate and conventional as is usual in church circles.

“Individuals may find that being a good neighbour develops into volunteering and involvement in projects and initiatives. Churches may find they are able to re-imagine their buildings as community space, or offer support for things happening around them. The presence and engagement of a prayerful, worshipping community in any area should never be underestimated.”

So, What Next?

As with so many things in life, we may want to do something about it, but wonder where to begin. Have a browse through the featured list of resources and links on this site; talk with other churches who may be doing things similar to what you envision doing; consult the Faithful Cities report that contains numerous examples of faithful urban living or why not host a What Makes a Good Community? debate and get local residents, councillors, schools, church leaders and others involved? (The Faithful Cities report and What Makes a Good Community? Study Guide are both available at http://urblog.typepad.com/urblog/2007/12/what-makes-a-go.html)

If you need any further support or information, please contact the Office of Social Responsibility on 01922 707864.