ABSTRACT
This chapter suggests analytical categories which highlight differences and similarities in the church's role when viewed either as an arena or as a subject in the field of welfare. The British expression of the liberal welfare regime exists as a balance between family, market, voluntary sector and public provision. The state may still retain overall control over welfare, but the public sector acts increasingly as commissioner rather than provider of services. Over recent decades, both voluntary and private sectors have taken on larger roles in partnership with the state, providing services totally or partially funded by the state. Unlike the German situation, church involvement in welfare provision in England is largely parish-based, and the actions of the church as welfare provider vary considerably from parish to parish. Nonetheless, all parishes in Darlington organize activities for children and for elderly people which could fairly be described as welfare services.
