A Ministry of Presence

Een Theorie van de Presentie (A Theory of Presence) - Andries Baart, (2nd Edition, revised) Utrecht: Lemma BV, 2001 (Text in Dutch) - (Click here for an abstract of Baart's research in PDF format)

This is a bulky research study in Dutch of over 900 pages, describing in detail the aspects and workings of inner city ministry: how it is done and what it can achieve.  From the description of his observations over four years Andries Baart develops a theory of presence: its principles and its actual approach.

A Presence that Disturbs: A Call to Radical Discipleship - Anthony Gittins, Ligouri, Missouri: Ligouri-Triumph, 2002

Jesus was a disturbing figure who challenged the society and the status quo of his time. His essential message is that of unification and reconciliation, of outreach and inclusion. If we are too captivated by his dream, we act like him and become disturbers ourselves.

Encountering "the Other" - Jean Vanier, Dublin: Vertias Publications, 2005

There are so many barriers between people in the world.  The purpose of the incarnation was to bridge barriers.  Our mandate as Christians is to do the same, to truly encounter the one who is "other" to us.

Ministry at the Margins - Strategy and Spirituality for Mission - Anthony Gittins, Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 2003

What does it mean to engage in marginal ministry?  Of particular interest to us was Gittins examination of cultural baggage, the quest for meaning, the search for merging agendas, the processes of socialisation, the dynamics of gift exchange and the necessity of understanding and negotiating the stranger/host relationship.

 Urban (City) Ministry in Europe

City Limits: Mission Issues in Postmodern Times - Joe Egan and Thomas R Whelan (Eds.), Dublin: Milltown Institute of Theology and Philosophy, 2004

Of particular interest was the chapter: "The Challenges of Mission in a Globalised World" by Michael McCabe.  This compares and contrasts the opinions of leading missiologists.  Michael Amaladoss is concerned with what is becoming globalised rather than the processes by which it is happening, noting its demonic effects on the world's poorest.  Robert Schreiter is more nuanced and sees both challenges and  opportunities for Christians to become more present to "the other" on the doorstep.

Europe: The Exceptional Case.  Parameters of Faith in the Modern World - Grace Davie, London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2002

Europeans are prone to thinking that what happens in Europe today will later happen in other parts of the World.  This is not the case when it comes to matters of faith, concludes Davie.  She argues that European religion is not a model for export; it is something distinct, peculiar to the European corner of the world and needs to be understood in these terms.

Believing in the Future: Towards a Missiology of Western Culture - David J Bosch, Leominster, Herefordshire: Gracewing, 1995

Bosch sketches the contours of a missiology of Western culture concluding that five essential ingredients will be an ecological dimension, that it be counter-cultural, ecumenical and contextual, and that it be primarily a ministry of the laity.

Faithful Cities: A Call for Celebration, Vision and Justice - The Report from the Commission on Urban Life and Faith, London: Church House Publishing and Methodist Publishing House, 2006

Recognising religious faith as one of the richest and most enduring sources of dynamism and hope for our cities, this Report, coming twenty one years after the landmark "Faith in the City", calls upon Government to work with the churches, congregations and faith-based communities to reduce the gap between rich and poor, to combat racism and intolerance at all levels, and to create a flourishing society in which all are valued.  Read the summary statement of the report in pdf format here.

Urban Ministry and the Kingdom of God - Laurie Green, London: SPCK, 2003

The processes of urbanisation and globalisation tear traditional neighbourhoods apart and many people feel disconnected. Yet a different world is possible.

The Pastoral Circle Revisited: A Critical Quest for Truth and Transformation - Frans Wijsen, Peter Henriot, Rodrigo Mejía (Eds.), Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 2005

Commemorating the 25th anniversary of the publication of Henriot and Holland's "Social Analysis: Linking Faith to Justice", scholars and professionals from all five continents explore the use of the Pastoral Circle in different contexts of practical theology and missiology.

The New Catholicity: Theology Between the Global and the Local - Robert J. Schreiter, Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, 1997

A close look at the many aspects of globalisation that challenge Christianity as it enters its third millennium.  The first chapter, which is summarised here, examines globalisation as the contemporary context for theology.

Evangelism in a Spiritual Age - Stephen Croft (Ed) and others, London: Church House Publishing, 2005

Based on extensive research, this book takes a detailed look at the spirituality of people beyond the fringe of the Church and offers insightful responses showing how the Church might address the issue of evangelism in the twenty-first century.

Equipping Your Church in a Spiritual Age: A Workbook for Local Churches - Stephen Hollinghurst (Ed) and others, London: Group for Evangelisation, 2005

This workbook aims at helping church groups of all denominations understand contemporary spiritualities and gives practical ideas to suit every type of church.

Understanding Theology and Popular Culture - Gordon Lynch, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2005

Drawing on case studies, this book examines the nature and functions of popular culture and presents a reasoned argument about the distinctive contribution that theology can make to popular cultural studies.

The Spiritual Revolution: Why Religion is Giving Way to Spirituality - Paul Heelas and Linda Woodhead, Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2005

Are we living through a "spiritual revolution" in which traditional forms of religion are giving way to new forms of spirituality?  Such questions are addressed by presenting findings from a major UK research project charting the state of religion and spirituality in Britain today.

Towards a Pastoral Approach to Culture (1999) - Pontifical Council for Culture

Where is Your God? Responding to the Challenge of Unbelief and Religious Indifference Today (2004) - Pontifical Council for Culture

Aspects of Islam - Ron Geaves, London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2005

A contemporary introduction to Islam which attempts to answer the following questions: What is Islam? What do Muslims believe? Why does the Muslim world appear to be in such conflict?

Muslims in Western Europe - Jørgen Nielsen, Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press, 1995

An introduction to the social, political, cultural and religious position of Muslims living in contemporary Europe.  This book describes their early European history and outlines the causes and courses of twentieth-century Muslim immigration.  It examines issues common to Muslims in all European countries, such as the role of the family and questions of worship, education and religious thought.

Celebrating Difference, Staying Faithful: How to Live in a Multi-Faith World - Andrew Wingate, London: Darton, Longman and Todd, 2005

A valuable guide to living in our multi-religious society, packed with examples, case-studies and guidelines to best practice.  The book covers, issues of interfaith dialogue, Christian presence and engagement with other faiths, theological matters, interfaith prayer and worship, and pastoral, community and social issues.

Islam: A very Short Introduction - Malise Ruthven, Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1997 (2000)

A brief introduction to Islam (162 pages) containing essential insights into the divisions between Islamic movements and groups and the central importance of Shar'ia, some fresh perspectives on Jihad, and reflections on how Islam is currently confronting the modern Western world.

Muslim Britain: Communities Under Pressure - Tahir Abbas (Ed), London: Zed Books, 2005

A collection of 16 articles by leading authorities in sociology, social geography, anthropology, theology and political science exploring how the events of September 11th 2001 and the subsequent "war on terror" have impacted on the lived experiences of British Muslims

Nostra Aetate (1965) - Declaration of Vatican II on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions.

Dialogue and Mission (1984) - Pontifical Council for Inter Religious Dialogue.

Dialogue and Proclamation (1991) - Pontifical Council for Inter Religious Dialogue.

The Spirituality of Dialogue (1999) - Letter to the Presidents of Catholic Bishops' Conferences from Cardinal Francis Arinzé, President of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Reflections on Pentecost 2000 - Archbishop Michael Fitzgerald, Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Muslim Attitudes to Living in Britain (2006) - Summary of research commissioned by Channel 4 Television (UK) for a documentary entitled "What Muslims Want".

A Common Word Between Us (2007) - An Open Letter and Call from Muslim Religious Leaders.

Sixth Catholic-Muslim Colloquium (2008) - Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Message to Muslims at the end of Ramadan 2008 - Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Being a Citizen of Europe and a Person of Faith: Christians and Muslims As Active Partners in European Societies (2008) - Statement of the European Christian-Muslim Conference, October 2008

No Longer Strangers: Cultural Integration in Church and Society in Ireland - Doctrine and Life Special Issue, Dublin: Dominican Publications, 2006

The contributors to this special issue of the Journal Doctrine and Life examine questions concerning the experience of migration, what it means for the migrants, what it means for the host communities and what it can mean for a deeper mutual understanding within the human family.

The Love of Christ Towards Migrants (2004) - Pontifical Council for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant Peoples