The Church is an integral part of the community…..

Many rural communities have a local church. The church always has the potential and in many cases acts as a catalyst for community action and community cohesion. Unlike suburban communities, characteristically atomised and fragmented into networks of common interest, the Church in rural communities remains an integral part of the whole of the community, where life is less compartmentalised. Research has recently revealed the extent of the Church’s contribution to rural life ranging from tourism to work with migrant workers, through to support structures and programmes for children and the elderly, the vulnerable and the isolated. At a national level the Arthur Rank Centre is a hub of information and rural expertise used by Governmant and the Church nationally when addressing issues affecting rural communities across the country. The Church is actively involved in economic, environmental and social issues, engaging with the increasing influence of globalisation. Small rural congregations often have an influence and role within the life of their community which belies their small congregations: they box above their weight. I believe it is sometimes difficult for people coming from a suburban environment to fully appreciate the many formal and informal ways in which this happens day by day in rural communities.

Rev David Herbert