This is a good piece, though maybe a bit unfair on John Vincent and his generation of urban theologians.
Chris Rogers wants to talk about our need to create a positive theology of the urban estate. Our theology shapes what we do. If we think we are in a deprived neighbourhood then we will think we are there as its saviour. But maybe there is another way of seeing our home. More at
At Unlock we are working to rebuild our local partnership work after the pandemic years. To do this we are looking for new local partners, churches or local groups, who would like to grow their ability to: -
Unlock real life stories of urban people
Reveal Good News of the Down to Earth Christ
Release life changing skills and confidence
Unlock Local Partnerships provide practical support, resources, skills and training, in appropriate, effective and creative Bible engagement approaches for urban communities. They do this through the appointment training and management of part time paid local workers. For details of how Unlock local partnership projects work please contact the Unlock office (details below) or visit The Local Partnership page of our website. We need a few new volunteer Council members to oversee and help shape our work as it develops. Council meets on three Saturdays a year, often in Rotherham, (including one 24 hour residential event, usually at Cliff College, Derbyshire). Travel expenses provided.
We need council members who: -
· Have a concern for, and an understanding of, the specific nature of Christian ministry and mission in urban areas in the UK
· Are willing to engage with open and creative approaches
· Are willing to reflect and learn as they work together
· Have some understanding of the way that small charities work
In particular, we need a new Voluntary Treasurer. All of the day-to-day finance matters are taken care of by a paid part time finance officer at the Unlock Office, so the voluntary treasurer’s role is not onerous. There is a monthly monitoring exchange of e-mails. An understanding of small charity finance and reporting to Council is required. The treasurer can be located anywhere but attendance at Council meetings is expected. Details here, or from the Unlock Office.
We are also recruiting for a new part time salaried Senior Administrator. This key post is the lynchpin of Unlock’s work. Details here, or from the Unlock Office.
Meanwhile please pray that the 2023 40th Unlock London Walk, due to take place in Woolwich and Abbey Wood on Saturday April 22nd, is not disrupted by rail strikes. We rely heavily on this event to raise the funding that we need to deliver our local work. We cannot do without it!
For more information about Unlock or any of the above please contact Jenny Blake, Senior Administrator, office@unlock-urban.org.uk or telephone 01709 380 318 (Tuesdays and Fridays), or to talk informally about what is involved, contact Andrew Dorton, Chair of Trustees at andrew@dorton.karoo.co.uk or Chief Officer, Dawn Lonsdale dawn@unlock-urban.org.uk
Unlock, 15 Station Road, Rotherham, S60 1HN
Jenny Blake Senior Administrator
Normal working days – Tuesdays & Fridays 01709 380318 office@unlock-urban.org.uk www.unlock-urban.org.uk Unlock
15 Station Road Rotherham S60 1HN Registered Charity No.313454
We are delighted to announce the launch of our new legal guide for churches seeking to support housing need!
This comprehensive guide will be invaluable to PCCs who are interested in exploring how they can dispose of or re-purpose derelict or disused church land for affordable housing.
You can find out more and read the guide here: https://housingjustice.org.uk/news/2023/hj-legal-guide-for-churches