The Parish system

"The Parish system": The same yesterday, today and for ever? by Mark Burkill

Established in the 12th century, the parish system of the Church of England is looking well past its sell-by date at the beginning of the 21st century.

Parishes were originally created through the noble ideal of evangelising the nation and providing pastoral care for all. But today, the system is collapsing due to shrinking financial resources, and it often frustrates contemporary Christian ministry, especially where maintaining the status quo and parish boundaries is the overriding concern.

Commentators of many different theological persuasions believe that radical change is overdue, and that alternatives to the parish must be pursued for the sake of the gospel.

This new study by Mark Burkill demonstrates that the parish system is no longer capable of delivering what it claims, not merely because of social change, but also due to the growth of theological diversity in the Church of England. It includes a valuable account of the historical development of the parish system, and concludes by exploring how the best ideals of the system can be expressed in Christian mission today.

It may be read online or downloaded as PDF.

First Published 2005: 80 pages

ISBN: 0 946307 52 0

EAN: 9780946307524

Price: £3.50

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