A Dream That is Not for the Drowsy: A Working Theology for Presence and Future-Building
In the Metro Core Across our Country
Publisher: United Church of Canada, Task Group on the Church in the Metro Core, Div of, Toronto, Canada
Year Published: 1980
Pages: 40pp Resource Type: Article
Cx Number: CX2248
This book develops some elements of a "working theology" that reflects on the nature of both the social and economic realities as well as local efforts at survival and mission in the metropolitan core context.
Abstract:
This book develops some elements of a "working theology" that reflects on the nature of both the social and economic realities as well as local efforts at survival and mission in the metropolitan core context. These elements were gathered through a process of meetings and data gathering that brought together clergy and laity from various "cathedral" churches, small dying congregations, mission units and outreach efforts to share their concerns and stories. These stories were gathered and discussed at a Canada-wide gathering of key people and passed on to task group to develop "A Dream".
This document is not seen as a final statement but as a step in the discussion, a working paper. It points to some of the struggles of the local churches in metropolitan areas. Most Canadians live in urban areas, but most churches are rural and suburban. Some metro core churches are losing members and selling their buildings. However, the use of the money is of concern. Should it go for new urban ministries or suburban new church development? Many core area churches are taking different approaches to old buildings and escalating energy costs some are redeveloping their land into senior citizen or office tower complexes while others are opening their buildings to multiple uses such as theatre groups or community organization offices. Other church related units are choosing to develop specific ministries with the poor and marginalized who have gathered in some parts of the urban core. The report does point to some mission goals - a variety of caring, witnessing communities of faith, the use of the gift of space imaginatively and efficiently, to discern the true sources of evil and redemption in the city and to respond. However, many blocks to achieving these goals are also seen. Thus, the reflection is to continue. This document was approved at the 1980 Halifax General Council of the United Church. The next step is the preparation of a workbook for further discussion and action in local churches.
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