Christian faith in Europe: residual or potential?

Abstract

European Christianity is undergoing long-term development in significant ways: through migration into Europe, especially by Christians from the global south, which challenges European churches and Christians with the ecumenical question as to their own identity and ‘belonging’ in a globalising world; in response to secularisation, where the churches are now no longer just in retreat but engaging positively with many social issues; from Christendom to a consciously chosen Christianity, whereby Christianity is becoming a voluntary commitment rather than an assumed inheritance; and towards ‘vicarious’ church and mission. Churches are consciously conceiving of their mission on behalf of all people and areas of life. Moreover the so-called ‘residual’ belief of Europeans, which remains at a surprisingly high level, needs re-evaluation as ‘incipient’ rather than just ‘residual’. European Christianity is at an exciting as well as critical period of change and reinvention. The churches should not be afraid to hope.