Working with the Community

Your town may already have a Community Twinning link on the continent. If it has, suggest to the churches that they consider developing a partnership with the Community Twinning Association, through your Council of Churches.

Try to get in touch with the organiser, perhaps through the Local Authority.
Find out what community groups and clubs are already affiliated.
Ask the Community Twinning Association if the Council of Churches can become affiliated.
Invite the Association officers to work out with the Council of Churches how the churches can contribute to their programme (and vice-versa).
Tactfully ask if there might be funding towards some joint activities.

If it has no continental links,

suggest to the churches that they keep the Local Authority aware of the churches' plans, with a view to working in partnership at a future time

If at all possible, try to prevent churches and community from developing links in different places. A survey ten years ago revealed that

most Community Twinnings had no Church involvement;
most Church Twinnings had no link with Community Twinnings in their town;
many Church Twinners had never thought of working with their local Community Twinning Association.

What a lost opportunity!

Information about active Church links between the United Kingdom and Continental Europe will be welcomed. A database would be an invaluable help as a basis for future work in the pursuit of good ideas and best practice.

Send items to

Robin Blount, European Church Partnership,
Flat 6, Lyn Court, Shorncliffe Road, Folkestone CT20 2PE, G.B.
The book "European Church Partnership" can be obtained from the same address.
Robin Blount is happy to discuss any matters
arising from this Guide.
Tel. +44 1303 250028
Email: robin.blount@freeuk.com