Threads in the Formation of Faithful Clergy

Summary Faithful Cities makes specific reference to theological education and the training of clergy in particular. It pleads for the urban context of society to be central to that task because that is where most people actually live. It asks for the practical nature of theology to be the focus of training. That is admirable. There are, however, issues behind what appear to be relatively simple adjustments to training programmes that need attention if that aim is ever to be fulfilled. Three of these are: the nature of identity in British multiculturalism, the inability to engage in dialogue that ends in practical expression within the churches, and the apparent tussle between ‘academic’ theology and the business of getting on with loving one's neighbour.