Theos and the Free Churches Group are conducting an eighteen–month project seeking to understand the impact of churches on social cohesion in England.
Our research will be framed around a series of case studies which together will provide original qualitative research into the challenges faced by churches responding to social cohesion concerns in their local areas. These case studies will be taken from across the country and will be selected on the basis of existing concerns surrounding social tensions. Our research in these areas will primarily consider the successes and limitations of existing Christian responses at the community level.
Over the course of these investigations, we will discover what is already been done by churches in response to social cohesion concerns, and evaluate the impact of these initiatives through consultation and conversation with community leaders and a broad range of local faith communities.
This research will give rise to a major report into the nature, challenges and opportunities for the Church’s response to social cohesion today, as well as a series of ‘how to’ booklets aimed at churches looking to deepen their engagement with social cohesion and policy makers hoping to engage with churches on these issues.
