Arthur Rank Center


Abstract	An ecumenical partnership between the churches of England, the Royal Agricultural Society of England, and the Rank Foundation, the Arthur Rank Centre is dedicated to serving rural people by improving the quality of life in rural communities, promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental stewardship, and supporting churches and other religious communities in rural areas. The rural resources unit for United Kingdom (UK) churches, the Centre has worked to support rural communities and churches for more than thirty years. Based in Stoneleigh Park, Warwickshire, the Centre provides information and expertise on rural concerns for churches throughout the country through courses, publications, and videos. The Centre also houses specialist units on the international dimensions of agriculture and other related topics. Under the aegis of the Churches Rural Group of Churches Together in England, the Centre participates in the Rural Affairs Forum of the Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs. Serving as a hub for various organizations and churches active in rural areas, the Centre is able to provide resources and information on almost any matter of concern to rural communities and churches. In addition to its Living Churchyard and Cemetery Project, which provides practical information and advice about managing churchyards for the benefit of wildlife, the Arthur Rank Centre runs programs on housing, economic regeneration, church ministry, social and theological research, and clergy training. The Centre receives calls from churches and individuals on a daily basis, and some 12,000 people subscribe to Country Way, the Centre’s thrice yearly magazine, which addresses various issues pertaining to rural life, agriculture, and the environment from a Christian perspective.
Religion	Christianity
Geographic Location	United Kingdom (Warwickshire)
Duration of Project	1972–Present
History	The Arthur Rank Centre was founded in 1972 by the Royal Agricultural Society of England and Lord Rank.
Mission Statement	“The Purpose of the Arthur Rank Centre is to serve the rural community and its churches by: Supporting and servicing the work of the Church’s agricultural chaplains and rural officers Leading the Church in developing working partnerships with those organisations that are committed to the improvement of the quality of life in rural communities and the standard of living of those who are disadvantaged, vulnerable, and excluded Developing positive relationships between urban and other faith communities in rural areas Providing a focus and resource for the work of the Christian churches and other faith communities in rural areas Engaging in research into ethical issues concerning the countryside, especially with regard to agriculture and the environment and promoting appropriate responses in the light of Christian theology Studying and responding to global issues Providing a chaplaincy for the Royal Agricultural Society of England and the National Agricultural Centre.”
Partner Organizations	Churches Together in England Royal Agricultural Society of England The Rank Foundation.
Long-Term Goals	None Listed
Bibliography	None Listed
Additional Research Resources	None Listed
Contact Information	The Arthur Rank Centre Stoneleigh Park Warwickshire CV8 2LZ Ph: 024.7685.3060 Fax: 024.7641.4808 Email: info@arthurrankcentre.org.uk

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