1. How do families with religious commitment practice their faith?

2. How does the community of faith practice its faith?

3. In what ways do these link and how does this impact on the wider local community?

4. What is the impact of belonging to a family of faith and a faith community?

5. What is the historical dimension of family & community faith?

6. Effects of belonging to a community of faith in a contemporary society.

ChristianityOne of the major monotheistic religions of the world is a family-centred religion. JesusFounder of Christianity' mother, MaryThe mother of Jesus, is mentioned in the birth and death stories of Jesus and his earthly father JosephA major figure of the Exodus stories of the Bible has a key place in the birth stories. Jesus' concept of GodWord used to describe a personal transcendent Being is based on a very familiar relationship of that between a father and his son, and Jesus uses the term abbaDiminutive word meaning daddy in Aramaic for Father - used by Jesus, the diminutive form of father meaning 'daddy', to express how close that relationship with God can be. Jesus was a Jew and for Judaism the family unit was the core of the community and society. It is hardly surprising then that the family unit is extremely important in Christian life. The rituals of bringing children into the faith, through familiarity with festivals such as ChristmasMajor festival of Christianity celebrating the birth of Jesus and EasterMajor Christian festival that celebrates the resurrection of Jesus, and celebrations such as baptismRite of passage for entry into the church, are extremely important introductions to the beliefs and practices of the faith. However, family commitment is also seen through regular churcha place of worship or congregation attendance, through family grace at meals, reading the bible at home and praying at bedtime. A Christian family might also support charity, either financially or with a time commitment, either at home or in developing countries.

Christianity is the historical religion of the UK and the evidence for this can be found in all diocesesAbout 40 ecclessiastical and geographical areas into which England is divided and parishesGeographical and ecclesiastical areas which divide dioceses in the country. Many parishes in both rural and urban settings have their own church and with it a priestMinister to a congregation or vicarWord used to describe a priest. Outreach community workers are found based within most Christian churches, regardless of denomination. The parish church has a committee called a Parochial Church Council whose primary function is to support the vicar to ensure worshipThe offering of praise and reverence to God via a religious service is regular the church is well maintained. Similar duties are undertaken by denominationsDifferent groups within one religion. However, the church in the community will also want to reach out further than to its own congregationA group of people in a place of worship. In many rural areas, outreach is through putting on events such as flower festivals and fetes, but also through visiting the old and sick, or providing meals in the church hall. In more urban areas where there might be deprivation, the church has always had a significant place and active support of urban renewal initiatives are commonplace. Church halls become community centres and youth clubs. Younger mothers can meet and chat. Church buildings are renovated to become community facilities. Chad Varah, the founder of the Samaritans, first began his work in a church cryptUnderground cellar in a church.

Church members are expected to find their own level of use and commitment. The church considers itself a 'corporate body', based on St PaulMajor figure in the development of the theology and growth of the early church's concept of the human body, each member having its own use. Similarly, the church believes it has mission commitments in order to reach out to the community and demonstrate the Christian life. The parish church particularly, but also the MethodistMajor non-conformist denomination or BaptistNon-conformist denomination of Christianity that believes in adult baptism chapelNon-conformist place of worship or small addition to a church, the Catholic church, the Jehovah's WitnessFundamentalist denomination of Christianity Kingdom Hall are symbols of the influence of Christianity within a community.

Belonging to the family of the church brings with it companionship and a sense of belonging to a local and a worldwide community. Through this network, a Christian believes that part of the Kingdom of GodThe central message of Jesus on earth can be realised.

Christians believe that their values and beliefs are best supported through the family unit. From this basis these values can permeate through to the wider community and indeed, society as a whole.

Community cohesion is at its best where all members of that society care for each member. It is the belief of Christians that they must do this. Christian leaders are well aware of the way the UK's religious landscape is changing and of the need to respond to the nature of this change. It is the responsibility of all Christians to accept this roles and when necessary, rise to this challenge.

Websites

http://www.request.org.uk/main/dowhat/dowhat.htm - discussions on family issues.

Bibliography

a discussion with the Diocesan adviser for children is recommended