"Although Atherton's work is tightly argued and substantiated, this is an accessible work for parish ministers and interested lay people as well as serious scholars. The inclusion of an experiential, concrete case study of Manchester is especially helpful in illustrating the book's more abstract concepts. (...) the book is an important contribution to developing an ecclesiology for developed urban cultures in the twenty-first century and beyond." -- Wendy Dackson, East Aurora, New York, JOURNAL OF CHURCH AND STATE.

'John Atherton's new book arises out of disciplined reflection on his own deep grappling with economic and social issues and the role of the churches over several decades. This is a rich, honest and realistic book which examines bravely the challenges of the marginalization of millions in our global village, of the poor and minority groups in affluent societies, and of the church and Christian faith in the West. And Atherton has the courage, in dialogue with the best contemporary social theory, to point a way forward. This book deserves to be widely read and discussed. I commend it very warmly.' -- Duncan B. Forrester, Emeritus Professor of Christian Ethics and Practical Theology, New College, University of Edinburgh.

'John Atherton brings together his long experience of ministry in Manchester and his wide reading. He connects the local and the global, the theological and the political, examining with passion the "double whammy" of marginalized churches in marginalized communities. Those engaged in campaigning for the poor, in responding to globalization in its many forms, and in seeking the revitalising of the urban church will all find John Atherton challenging many assumptions and giving them an even stronger and broader set of convictions to lend power to their efforts --Peter Selby, Bishop of Worcester