1. Introduction
The Church in Britain is in crisis with declining attendance, patchy commitment among adherents, child abuse scandals
and challenges to authority. It needs new solutions if it is to have a future. The case for new strategic thinking.
2. Counting the decline
A presentation of decline. A range of statistics on membership, attendance, vocations and finance is presented in the
context of wider society.
3. Spreading the good news
Contrasted with the actual evidence for decline is the Christian call to spread the good news. The concept of Catholic
evangelisation and a surprising historical example provide lessons for today. Elements for a strategy for evangelisation are
discussed.
4. Getting the message across
The controversial issues of liturgy, authority, communication, and the media.
Concepts of communication and relationship are discussed, and compared with how the Church actually communicates. The
Church’s approach is critiqued in a constructive way and solutions are presented.
5. Protecting our children
The child abuse scandal from the 1970s to the present day is recounted in detail for the first time. This chapter relies
on original research and reveals that the tendency to cover up has deep historical roots. Suggestions for how the Nolan Review’s
recommendations can be revised. The Church needs to acknowledge the specific aspects of Catholic culture that have contributed
to abuse, and initiate genuine cultural change.
6. Leading the Church
The root causes of the bishops’ inability to set a clear direction are analysed. The careers of bishops and secretive
method of appointing them are brought into the open. The Church’s leadership criteria are compared with modern management
theory and found lacking, and lessons are drawn.
7. Culture and change
Change has long been a dirty word in the Church, but it has been a continuous feature of history. Some aspects of the
culture of British Catholicism must be changed in a planned way. Two areas are discussed where people have felt marginalised:
the role of women, and homosexuality. Finally, four factors that explain resistance to change are described.
8. The enemy within
The most serious barrier to change is fear. The Church should be a beacon of hope, and that starts with addressing
fear and lack of faith.
9. A new opportunity
The papacies of John Paul II and Benedict XVI are evaluated.
10. Planning the future
Twenty four recommendations are set out. They draw on the whole book and are all constructive suggestions that will
help bring about positive and beneficial differences.
11. A dynamic crucible
Final remarks emphasising the overarching themes of the report and the crucial role of the Spirit in stimulating living
religion.
ISBN 978-0-9553026-0-2
