Rural
Theology AssociationRural
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Since the coming of the Industrial Revolution the attention of our society has become more and more centred on matters affecting urban and suburban Britain. The Church has followed the lead of secular society in having an urban and suburban bias. The Church has ceased to be earthed in its rural inheritance.
But things are changing. People move from towns and cities into the countryside. The theology and ministry of the Church has to meet the present situation. The cross and the resurrection need to be examined in the light of our theology of creation and the natural world.
Because of his the Rural Theology Association was formed. It is an association to support people committed to the gospel in the countryside. Our theology aims to start from the grass roots - the gospel and the people.
Major conferences are held every other year. Details of our last major residential conference are available here. These are open to all who wish to gain a greater understanding of current rural issues Topics covered have included rural mission and ministry, worship, the use of land, evolution and nature, and Christian lifestyle in the countryside.
The Association encourages the growth of local groups of Christians who wish to study rural issues. There is a Groups' Liaison Officer who can let you know where the nearest group is. Contact is through the Honorary Secretary (email address below) or through the Groups Liaison Officer. See list of contacts on the Local Groups page
The Association's journal, Rural Theology, formerly named 'A Better Country', free to all members, is published each Spring and Autumn, and studies relevant issues in depth. Occasionally, other appropriate papers are sent with the members' quarterly mailing. More information can be found on the Journal page.