Faith groups are already important in the regeneration of communities, and are often more committed and have long-term involvement. However, despite government directives to involve faith communities in regeneration and renewal, official agencies lack understanding about faith communities and their diversity, and conflicts arise between secular liberal views and those of religious groups.
'Faith' in urban regeneration:
summarises the politics and policy of involving religion in regeneration;
looks at the motivations, theologies and values that underpin faith organisations;
locates both good and problematic practice in the participation of faith communities in urban regeneration, and their experiences of involvement with official regeneration programmes;
explores issues of cohesion and conflict;
makes practical recommendations to local, regional and national regeneration agencies and highlights implications for policy.