Witnessing Christ in the city : a study in the light of the Church's mission in Brixton

Abstract

The Mission of witnessing as a person and in communion with Christ and His Church in contemporary cities is elaborated in the context of the South London suburb of Brixton, my former missionary base. The nature of this work touches on the sociological, dogmatic, pastoral and spiritual. It is the result of personal contacts and interviews with people on the spot together with numerous literary sources. The scope of this work is to show the fact that the city is a challenging place of mission in its own specific way. Chapter One presents the picture: a description of Brixton in its main characteristics. In the religious sphere, I am limiting my attention to the two Catholic Parishes in the core of Brixton, with whom I had main contacts, keeping in mind other faiths in the area. Chapter Two presents the main teachings of the Catholic Church as regards its mission in humanity and in society with an urban element. Chapter Three presents the situation of the Church in Brixton with particular reference to my work over there, concluding with a few personal insights for an urban option for Christ.