The Church of England is its parishes. For Anglicans, Christianity is lived out in a defined geographical area in which the church's presence is usually signified by a building, a congregation and a priest. While on the one hand it is a mark of the essential hospitality of the gospel that no place falls outside the parish system,many people remain untouched by the faith proclaimed by their parish churches, and increased mobility means that people may well live, work and worship in different places.How meaningful and practical in terms of ministry and mission is the parish today? This original and timely book explores these critical questions with 'vigour and subtlety and passion', as Rowan Williams observes in his Foreword.A vital resource for all involved in the life of their local church, or in training for parish or local ministry, The Parish is a broad ranging, challenging and inspiring guide.