As a friend of the author, who moved into East Ham in 1975, soon after he left to prepare for ordination, I recognize the Cockney culture of the period, and some of the locations, pubs, schools, churches and people in the early sections of the book. I even knew the vicar of St Barnabas who recognised his call to ministry. Since then half a century has passed and we have all learned a lot,
Laurie recounts with humour and serious reflection his journey over those years from parish ministry in Birmingham, to training vicars in the Aston training scheme, then back to East London and to his period of bishop of Bradwell serving the churches and people of the Cockney diaspora in Essex.
In all that time Laurie has been a leading practitioner, theologian and inspiration of urban ministry and mission. The book is important for any Christian engaged in urban and estate ministry today. As someone who still identifies as an evangelical I don't agree in every detail with Laurie's, theology, ecclesiology and spirituality, yet have learned so much from him. In particular I share his emphasis on understanding the urban context, engaging with and discovering God incarnate at work in the lives of people and communities, reading the bible from the underside of society, his political passion for justice and conviction that ordinary urban people have much to offer in church and community.
It is an excellent read ; do buy it , enjoy and reflect on it.
You can get a copy here:
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