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New clergy to the Black Country have been learning about why the Black Country is so special with a series of induction days, organised by the Black Country Urban Industrial Mission (BCUIM). All clergy in the area are encouraged to attend the three days to help them understand the Black Country’s unique social and economic background.
This year nine people have attended the course, from a range of Christian traditions and backgrounds. The participants learn about the history and culture of the Black Country, what is currently being done to promote tourism and investment in the area and culminates in a visit to a local factory to really get to grips with the industrial heritage.
The Revd Olwen Smith is the team leader for BCUIM, which has been running the course for the last 21 years. “The Black Country is a unique area of over a million people who all have a particularly strong sense of identity. There have been immense changes over the years affecting the culture, geography and economy. It’s important that clergy coming into the area understand some of this.”
The Revd Barry Gilbert is vicar at St. Michael’s Church in Brierley Hill. He said: “Since moving to the area it has been obvious that those living in the Black Country are passionate about their area. I felt it was important for me to understand these passions and where they come from.”
BCUIM is a partnership between the Anglican Dioceses of Lichfield and Worcester, the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury Methodist District, West Midlands Synod of the United Reformed Church and the Heart of England Baptist Association. It is also supported by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Birmingham.
The BCUIM team exists to share the love of God in His world. They do this by visiting places of work extending the pastoral care of the church to all and practically becoming involved in the issues that are important. BCUIM are also involved with the community and with those of other faiths, influencing decision making which affects the life of our communities. To find out more visit www.bcuim.co.uk or call 01902 710407.
ENDS.
The Diocese of Worcester is one of 44 dioceses in the Church of England. It covers an area of 671 square miles and includes parishes in the County of Worcestershire, the Metropolitan Borough of Dudley, and a few parishes in northern Gloucestershire, south east Wolverhampton and Sandwell.
