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It Can Be Done

It Can Be Done
By Fred Catherwood
The Lutterworth Press. 128 pages. £9.99
ISBN 0 780718 830038

This book is split into two main sections, the first outlining projects of social action around the UK and the second talking about possible strategies and principles for both churches and authorities.

There is no doubt that the first 101 pages are an eye-opening read. From various 'stand alone' projects dealing with youth work, teenage pregnancy, schools, probation schemes and help for AIDS victims we are taken to a couple more in-depth chapters on projects for the homeless and helping unemployed people into work. What makes these groups and organisations different is that all of them are run by Christians as an outworking of their faith and practical demonstration of Christian love. Chapter 5 outlines three churches who are directly involved in their communities, Liverpool, Crewe and Chessington, and then finally in this first section we are shown a number of city-wide projects that are working in different ways with the community.

The last section is made up of two chapters entitled 'Agenda for Churches' and 'Agenda for government'. The chapter to the church contains some good challenges and interesting references to biblical evidence for social involvement. Although the book is short and not intended as an in-depth analysis for Christian social involvement one can't help but wonder if one chapter is enough to cover the ground work. And after so many references in the preceding chapters to groups who by policy make no explicit mention of their faith in Christ I would certainly have valued some exploration of this difficult issue.

The chapter to government contains an interesting appraisal of the effects of certain policies and ideals, particularly to do with money. A welcome call to maintain and rebuild the priority of the family as a basis for social stability and also good words about dignity through work make this chapter valuable. The views of the author about Europe may come as no surprise to some readers and they certainly are not in any way camouflaged, but warning words about racism and xenophobia (deep antipathy to foreigners) are timely and wise.

For anyone involved in a local church that has a desire to reach out this book will make stimulating reading. The projects are portrayed not only with enthusiasm, but also realism so one can't help but be inspired and awed by the dogged commitment and hard work.

Paul Lintott,
Hartlepool