In 1990 "Faith in the Countryside", the report of the Archbishop's Commission on Rural Areas (Acora) was launched at Lambeth Palace. It was widely accepted as a good document, and a worthy companion to "Faith in the City". But while it seemed to put the rural Church on the agenda, it failed to come up with acceptable ministerial solutions.

Andrew Bowden's book offers a model for future rural ministry, which is practical, positive and a much-needed follow-up to the Commission's report. He recognises that although rural dioceses have taken new initiatives, rural clergy and congregations need an overall vision and a practical strategy.

This handbook is now reissued with an expanded text to take into account the developments which have occurred since the original edition was published.