The network of Rural Officers is a dynamic ecumenical national network of people who are passionately committed to the life and work of rural and agricultural communities and their churches. Rural Officers may also be called Agricultural Chaplains, Rural Advisors, Rural Synod Links, Rural Life Officers … amongst other things. They are lay and ordained people who commit some or all of their time to providing information and advice, pastoral care and strategic thinking on rural issues for rural people. Rural Officers work regionally as well as locally, and represent the church on a wide range of bodies and organisations including local strategic partnerships, regional rural affairs forum, church governing structures and at local markets.
The National Rural Officer for the Church of England, and the National Rural Officer for the Methodist Church & the United Reformed Church, are both based at the Arthur Rank Centre. Members of the national network of Rural Officers receive regular briefings & information updates by e-mail from the National Rural Officers.
An annual ‘gathering’ for Rural Officers is held at the Arthur Rank Centre. The next one will be 12th-13th November 2008.
Resources that have been produced or provided for Rural Officers are available here.
The Rural Officers network can be contacted via the Arthur Rank Centre:
Phone: 024-7685-3060
E-mail:
admin@arthurrankcentre.org.uk
