Helping to re-shape communities

We look after a large region. Essex and East London make a Church of England region of more than 2.7 million people. As well as the whole of Essex, ‘Chelmsford diocese’ covers the five East London boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Havering, Newham, Redbridge and Waltham Forest. As English church regions go, ‘Chelmsford’ is second only to London itself.

It is a very dynamic place to be. Essex and East London is Europe’s premier hotspot for regeneration. The Thames Gateway, the M11 and Stansted airport, Harwich seaport and the main site for the London 2012 Olympic games are all located within our 1,500 square miles.

This is also one of the most diverse regions. The population profile shows significant diversity in distribution, age, ethnicity, wealth and religion.

But nearly seven in ten of the people in this region describe themselves as Christian. The region enjoys a heritage of more than 600 churches, resourced by over 400 vicars and many more volunteers.

Because Jesus Christ is making a difference to their own lives, Christians are making a difference to the community as a whole.

Churches are active in every local community and they help to make communities sustainable. They offer many support services for families, from church schools to childcare centres that take place in church buildings and are kept going by church volunteers.

As we all know, communities face complex and challenging economic, social and environmental issues. Church people have a good understanding of local communities and they are bringing together people with different lifestyles, experiences and skills.

Church leaders live in local communities full time and know their people well. Churches are there for people not just at key points in their lives – when they marry, when they have children, when they become ill or die – but for everyday advice and support. They are talking to people and taking on board their priorities.

People for whom our churches have a special care, include children and young people, parents, ethnic groups, women, older people, people with disabilities, the homeless, and those not in education, employment, or training. Churches give a voice to the ‘hard to reach’ groups.

In rural areas as well as urban ones, churches are part of the glue that holds people and communities together. In many rural communities individuals carry out several roles; for example, a member of the parish council or a school governor as well as being a member of the church congregation. A member of the local church may also be a member of the women’s institute, serve on the village hall committee, run a senior citizens’ club, host coffee mornings, help out at parent and toddler groups, deliver meals on wheels, be a volunteer driver, and care for neighbours and friends. Church volunteers reach isolated people in their need.

Churches keep in touch with local councils and other organisations. They work across organisational boundaries of all kinds and take part in strategic, regeneration and employment partnerships, voluntary forums, housing associations, primary care trusts, charities and many other groups. Christians share a sense of belonging to a community, they are working in relationships of trust and cooperation with other people, and together with others they are helping to create a better life for everyone.

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