And of Zion it shall be said: "This one and that one were born in it"; for the most high established it. Singers and dancers alike say: "All my springs are in you." Ps. 87:5.7 (NRSV) Picture: Sheffield Peace Gardens in summer, UK

Urban mission...

...is about working to further God's kingdom of loving justice, mercy and peace by seeking local and city-wide solutions to the social, economic and spiritual poverty found in urban areas, especially town/city centres, multi-cultural inner city areas and outer estates.
more detailed definition of urban mission


Urban mission across the UK is currently being joined up through a Urban Mission Development Advisor post.  The Project began in September '04, currently running to February '08, with funding being sought to extend to August 2010. It is based in Sheffield. Erica Dunmow is the post-holder.

This post arose from conversations between representatives of the 25 denominations and agencies (see partners ) two of which - the Evangelical Coalition for Urban Mission and the Methodist Church of Great Britain - were each able to provide 50% of the funding and are responsible for detailed management of the Project on behalf of the wider group.

The overarching aim of the project is to act as a catalyst (see principles for the project ) to encourage joined up working on urban mission issues by churches and projects, at a local, regional and national level.

During the first three years the Project was concerned with creating better support for those in local urban mission through networks, information flows and identifying their training needs.

See History pages for the details of the outcomes and reports on them.

In June 06 the Project endorsers recommended its continuation to 2010.  The main tasks will be continued work on training for urban mission, better connection with Black-led churches, and strengthening the voice of urban mission within the Christian community.

See the Development page for more details of the plans for the next three years to 2010.