Religion and urban change

Dr Morris's exploration of the impact of urbanisation upon the development of Victorian and Edwardian organised religion is based on detailed study of local sources relating to the town and suburbs of Croydon. The book addresses in particular the origins and form of what has been described as the decline of organised religion in England, pinpointing the difficulties inherent in previous attempts at explanation of this phenomenon. Dr Morris argues that it is appropriate to study the local tensions and conflicts which engrossed the attention of the churches in this period, the religious beliefs and activities of the middle classes who composed the broad mass of church membership, and the activities and divisions of the urban elites who were most influential in the churches' management and in the town's affairs at large. Highlighting both the progressive inability of religious and philanthropic ventures to resolve problems of welfare and poverty, and the political divisions surrounding denominational action, he examines the role of reformed local government in redefining the sphere within which church action was deemed to be effective.