RURAL bishops, including John Oliver, formerly Bishop of Hereford, are warning that the tangible and significant contribution that churchgoers make to the life of their communities is in danger of being lost.

This message comes in a new book Changing Rural Life. The book offers new insights from one of the main players in rural community life: the Church.

Thirteen Anglican bishops of rural dioceses round Britain and Ireland who authored the book, together paint a unique picture of the realities of life in rural areas. Contributors include the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, and Anthony Russell, Bishop of Ely and President of the Royal Agricultural Society of England.

Jeremy Martineau -- who edited the book with Leslie J Francis and Peter Francis -- was, until his recent retirement, National Rural Officer for the Church of England based at the Arthur Rank Centre, Stoneleigh Park.

Speaking as the new Director of the Centre for Studies in Rural Ministry, he said: "Churches make a huge, but largely hidden, contribution to the well-being of rural communities. Government and each local community would benefit from a greater appreciation of this contribution."

The book is launched at Church House, Great Smith Street, Westminster, at 1pm next Wednesday during the meeting of the General Synod.

Changing Rural Life: a Christian Response to Key Rural Issues is published by SCM-Canterbury Press at £19.99.