ABSTRACT
The chapter provides an introductory narrative to the Action Research Church and Society (ARCS) project whose work provides the raw material for the book. Responding to some of the criticisms of the action research aspect of the project as so far reported, what follows pays particular attention to the ways in which the researchers themselves, and their institutional and church affiliations, played a significant role in the work. Particular attention is given to the ‘culture’ of the research community required for this kind of research. This is taken up again as the chapter outlines theological action research work done subsequent to ARCS, so as to demonstrate developments, challenges and specific questions. Reference is made to the Theology and Action Research Network (TARN), and to the major national projects with the Catholic Education Service, the relationship charity Marriage Care and British Methodism.
