Reasons for a new history
One
To provide an oral record of the changing and enduring culture of Headingley Methodist Church and its congregants
Two
To give voice to different perspectives about Christian faith from a diverse community. This seems pertinent for social heritage in a time when those that identify as Christian in the U.K. has dropped below fifty per cent for the first time (2021 Census Statistics).
Three
To respond to the expressions of interest that have already been made to the Living Stones project:
'I think there are a lot of people at HMC who have been coming for decades and have many interesting stories to tell and perspectives on life that shouldn’t be lost'
'It would complement and extend our existing historical archive and provide greater focus on the people of the church and its mission rather than simply on the buildings.'
'I have been going to Headingly Methodist Church for over fifty years and have met many great people who have worked long and hard and unselfishly to improve society'
'It helps us to understand where we came from and the outreach of the Gospel in our area'