An exhibition starting today at Derby Cathedral aims to reveal something of what God might like to see in Derbyshire communities and how God's church might take that forward.

The exhibition, produced by the Diocese of Derby's Council for Social Responsibility, will run until May 4th and will display examples of projects run through churches and other organisations that help to make Derbyshire a better place to live and to improve the wellbeing of people in the county.

Churches are synonymous with campaigning for justice and peace in all sorts of ways, like becoming involved in regeneration projects, or recycling, right through to individual acts of kindness, but the Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility is keen to find out the full extent of the Church's work in the areas of social action. A considerable research project is being undertaken to find out more about this, details of which will also be included in the exhibition.

The Bishop of Repton, The Right Reverend David Hawtin, Chair of Derbyshire Church and Society forum says, “Church work in the community is hard to quantify - people just get on with what needs doing. The research project will help various public agencies register the significant contribution made by churches and other faith groups. The church is a committed and effective partner in community development, and we can make good use of any grants available.”

Diocese of Derby Council for Social Responsibility Officer Joy Bates said, "A huge number of volunteer hours are given to the community through churches in the UK making a tangible difference to the quality of people's lives. We have great potential and we probably don't realise how much we do. The exhibition in the Cathedral highlights some of the activities of the church within and for Derbyshire and challenges people about why they should get involved in community action, especially Christian people."

A 2003 Government report called 'Working Together' highlighted the contribution of faith communities to social regeneration, but despite this, many local authorities and other public agencies seem unaware of the impact which faith groups make on society. The research project undertaken in the Diocese of Derby aims to uncover that, and in doing so, encourage Christians, other faith groups and people of no faith to recognise the benefits of being active to make communities safer, cleaner, more caring places.

ENDS

For further information please contact:-

Ruth Green
Communications Officer/Bishop's Press Officer
Diocese of Derby
(The Church of England across Derbyshire)
01332 388680