Urban Theology Union

Urban Theology Union A Member-led organisation whose charitable purpose is to equip the urban Christian for theology and a

Snapshots from John Vincent's Festschrift book launch today. Together we reflected on how John's theology and work affec...
07/02/2026

Snapshots from John Vincent's Festschrift book launch today. Together we reflected on how John's theology and work affected our lives and work. We remembered 'situation analysis' being aware of where you live and work in depth, of being rooted in a place of ministry, of being incarnational. We heard about the courage to be unafraid of failure so you can go ahead and seek to make change happen anyway, the courage to stand up for your Christian principles in the face of opposition, of finding in UTU the encouragement and confidence to move into a church ministry. Of being creative and innovative where you are.

We were also challenged to push further - rooted into the earth and the impact of human exploitation, to remember that families and tribes now expand physical boundaries across cities, and across the world. For some of us the roots are now virtual too.

We were thanked by John Vincent's son for this outpouring of gratitude from the people he influenced. And someone suggested our next book should be John's biography. So watch this space...

Thankyou to all who contributed to this book, to Ian and Rob for editing and producing it, for those who organised the day and for all those who came and made it the celebration it was. Until next time!

A snapshot from an online participant of John Vincent's Festschrift book launch today. Together we reflected in how John...
07/02/2026

A snapshot from an online participant of John Vincent's Festschrift book launch today. Together we reflected in how John's theology and work affected our lives and work. We remembered 'situation analysis' being aware of where you live and work in depth, of being rooted in a place of ministry, of being incarnational. We heard about the courage to be unafraid of failure so you can go ahead and seek to make change happen anyway, the courage to stand up for your Christian principles in the face of opposition, of finding in UTU the encouragement and confidence to move into a church ministry. Of being creative and innovative where you are.

We were also challenged to push further - rooted into the earth and the impact of human exploitation, to remember that families and tribes now expand physical boundaries across cities, and across the world. For some of us the roots are now virtual too.

We were thanked by John Vincent's son for this outpouring of gratitude from the people he influenced. And someone suggested our next book should be John's biography. So watch this space...

Thankyou to all who worked to make this book happen, to Ian and Rob for editing and producing it, for those who organised the day and for all those who came and made it the celebration it was. Until next time!

Feel free to comment with your reflections and thoughts!

TOMORROW SATURDAY 8TH 2PM. SEE YOU THERE!
06/02/2026

TOMORROW SATURDAY 8TH 2PM. SEE YOU THERE!

05/02/2026

The UK must find ways to harness the wisdom of people who access the social security system. Our CEO Liam Purcell has the lead letter in The Guardian today, responding to their editorial on UK poverty.

05/02/2026

And here they are! Full details of the 43rd Unlock London walk on Saturday April 18th 2026 - at the link in the comments

Remembering and discussing the Life and ministry, theology and teaching of John Vincent at the of his Festschrift. Joi...
05/02/2026

Remembering and discussing the Life and ministry, theology and teaching of John Vincent at the of his Festschrift. Join us 2pm Saturday 7th in real life in Central Sheffield or online.
For more information and the link email [email protected]

On 7th February at 2pm, in written and spoken word UTU celebrates the work of the prophetic and radical Biblical scholar...
04/02/2026

On 7th February at 2pm, in written and spoken word UTU celebrates the work of the prophetic and radical Biblical scholar and practitioner Rev, Dr John Vincent. John founded the Urban Theology Union in the 1970ies and was its driving force and director for many decades, living and working in inner city Sheffield, ministering to small urban chapels, and inviting others to join him there in a radical discipleship grounded in real urban communities. His work changed lives and ministries, challenging people to put practice before rhetoric, enact God's priority for the poor, and make 'the journey downwards'.

And so his friends, colleagues and students have come together to launch the publication Radical Disciple: a Festschrift and Testament to the influence and significance of John J Vincent. It provides a 'warts and all' tribute to the character and thinking of Vincent, an introduction to John's theology, teaching, and ministry through the eyes of those who worked alongside him as students, friends and colleagues.

Those who know John Vincent, those who have read his books or been influenced by his thought and work; or those who want to learn more about this giant of urban theology and practice and his challenge to us all: we are all invited to join the Urban Theology Union at (place)or online, 2-4pm. There will be four speakers including ( give two names) who will reflect on John's legacy, followed by discussion. Of course there will also be the opportunity to buy the Festschrift without paying postage and there are also discounts for UTU members.

Contact the UTU office [email protected]
For venue, information and zoom link.




03/02/2026

This Saturday 2pm. Celebrate this Radical Disciple. John Vincent. Book launch for his Festschrift - a tribute to his Theology and ministry by those who knew him best - colleagues, friends and students. Online or in person.
To book email: [email protected]

21/11/2025

So good to hear Joseph T. Forde and Terry Drummond, stalwarts of UTU, participating in this clip from Faith in the City 40 years on at Manchester Cathedral.

21/11/2025

Leaders of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches have issued a statement in response to the government’s announcements this week on proposed changes to its asylum and returns policy. To read the statement, see https://ow.ly/1enG50XvMh8

19/11/2025

Less than a week to go!

Join us for an open and welcoming evening as we explore what a call to Ministry might look like for you. This is a space to reflect, ask questions, and discern God's call together.

đź“… Monday 24 November
⏰ 8:00pm • Online

This event is especially for anyone who has faced barriers to Ministry—whether related to gender, disability, race, sexuality, class, neurodiversity, or any
intersection of these experiences. Together, we’ll:

- Explore the unique strengths you bring
- Reflect on your calling and what it means in your context
- Identify barriers and consider how to move beyond them
- Envision what Ministry could look like in your life
- Think through possible next steps with
encouragement and support

To secure your place, head to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/explore-your-call-tickets-1758655940259?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1

We offer a safe, supportive space for honest conversation. If you’ve wondered whether Ministry could be part of your journey, come and explore that
call with Luther King.

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Victoria Methodist Hall, Norfolk Street
Sheffield
S12JB

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm

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