The Black Country Urban Industrial Mission was set up in 1976. It is a Local Ecumenical Project representing the Diocese of Lichfield, the Diocese of Worcester, the Wolverhampton and Shrewsbury District of the Methodist Church and Heart of England Baptist Association. It has a Council, lay Chair and includes the Bishop of Dudley, the Bishop of Wolverhampton, the Methodist Chairman, the Baptist Superintendent, and other denominational representatives as well as representatives of trade unions, industry and education, whose task is to oversee and advise. A full team consists of 10 chaplains, Methodist, Anglican and Baptist, meeting twice monthly to discuss issues, plan work, prepare conferences and projects, study together and provide mutual support. All members of the team make a full contribution to corporate work and projects. Workplace visiting is an important feature of the pattern of industrial mission which keeps the BCUIM rooted in the industrial scene and enables the chaplains to make a contribution to industrial life. BCUIM chaplains work in the four Black Country Boroughs of Wolverhampton, Walsall, Dudley and Sandwell.
As well as regularly visiting companies BCUIM has project work in the areas of economic regeneration, faith and work, unemployment in local economic development and is actively involved in managing ROAPP Hall, Darlaston. BCUIM also has an annual induction course for clergy new to the Black Country and various Faith and Work courses for lay people, and endeavours to help others - clergy and lay - address economic and social issues.
The two BCUIM team members in Worcester Diocese cover the retail industry at the Merry Hill Centre and faith and work issues as well as working ecumenically in the regeneration of Brierley Hill.
| Vision |
| To work towards the Kingdom of God as part of the mission of the whole Church in the industrial and economic life of the Black Country |
| Identifying the current issues of urban and industrial society; studying them together, and encouraging others to reflect theologically on them. |
| Visiting places of work and offering pastoral support to those with or without paid employment. |
| Challenging both the world and the Church with a prophetic voice. |
| Working with others in the struggle for justice in the whole created order. |
| Encouraging Christian communities and individuals to make and strengthen connections between faith and work. |
Further details from BCUIM office -
Visit the BCUIM website
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