'Faith' in urban regeneration? - Engaging Faith Communities in Urban Regeneration

Faith groups are already important in the regeneration of communities, and are often more committed and have long-term involvement. However, despite UK government directives to involve faith communities in regeneration and renewal, official agencies lack understanding about faith communities and their diversity, and conflicts arise between secular liberal views and those of religious groups. This book summarizes the politics and policy of involving religion in regeneration; looks at the motivations, theologies and values that underpin faith organizations; locates both good and problematic practice in the participation of faith communities in urban regeneration, and their experiences of involvement with official regeneration programs; explores issues of cohesion and conflict; and makes practical recommendations to local, regional and national regeneration agencies and highlights implications for policy. The book is published in association with the Joseph Rowntree Foundation.

List of contents

Introduction; Public policy and the complexity of 'faith': the research context; Involving faith communities? Policies and perceptions; Faith and action: motivations and responses; Resources, restrictions and resistance: potential and experience; Cohesion, conflict and exclusion: understandings and misunderstandings; Conclusions and policy implications.

About the author

Richard Farnell is Senior Lecturer in the Centre for Local Economic Development at Coventry University. Robert Furbey is Principal Lecturer in Urban Sociology and Stephen Shams Al-Haqq Hills is Principal Lecturer in Housing, both at Sheffield Hallam University. Marie Macey is Senior Lecturer in Sociology at the University of Bradford. Greg Smith is Senior Research Fellow in the Centre for Institutional Studies at the University of East London.

Summary

Community involvement is seen as essential for urban regeneration, but it often proves elusive. The UK government has identified 'faith communities' as an important resource. This report explores the present and potential contribution of religious communities and their members, and the tensions and controversies involved in engaging with 'faith'.

Product details

• Authors: Stephen Shams Al-Haq Hills, Richard Farnell, Richard (Centre for Local Economic Development Farnell, Robert Furbey, Robert (School of Environment and Development Furbey, Stephen Shams Al Hills, Stephen Shams Al-Haqq Hills, Marie Macey, Marie (Department of Social Sciences and Humanities Macey, Stephen Shams Al-Haqq Hills, Stephen (School of Environment and Development Shams al-Haqq Hills, Greg Smith, Greg (Centre for Institutional Studies Smith
• Publisher: Policy Press
• Languages: English
• Product format: Paperback / Softback
• Released: 02.04.2003
• EAN: 9781861345165
• ISBN: 978-1-86134-516-5
• No. of pages: 64
• Dimensions: 211 mm x 296 mm x 5 mm
• Weight: 277 g
• Illustrations: Not illustrated
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Religion/theology > General, dictionaries; Non-fiction book > Philosophy, religion > Religion: general, reference works; Social sciences, law, business > Political science > Political science and political education