Reimagining Church, Land, and Community was a two-day gathering held in April 2023 at Crieff Hills Retreat Centre in Puslinch, Ontario. The event invited 32 participants to shift the narrative of church property decline into one of renewal, justice, and neighborhood flourishing.

Bringing together church and denominational leaders, urban planners, architects, social-purpose developers, researchers, and government partners, the gathering sparked meaningful dialogue around how faith communities might reimagine their land and buildings for the common good. Through conversation, collaboration, and shared visioning, the event explored how sacred spaces can be transformed in ways that support justice, sustainability, and vibrant community life.

Five key themes & next steps emerged from the conference:

1. Association: Our group is solidly in favour of forming an association or network.

NEXT STEPS: meeting with a small advisory group to define some parameters for this network or association. 

2. Theology: There is a common hunger for deeper theological foundations to our work.

NEXT STEPS: several strands are emerging, including a publication, and a round table.

3. Indigenous-settler reconciliation: Adrian Jacobs’ interventions at Crieff knocked it out of the park. The task ahead is to weave this thread indelibly throughout church land re-imaginings.

NEXT STEPS: we will be in conversation with Adrian Jacobs about next steps.

4. Research: Our group strongly supports development of research projects to inform and guide this sector.

NEXT STEPS: we are gathering a group of research experts to collaborate around key questions, tools and resources.

5. Another gathering: We want to meet again, in person.

NEXT STEPS: we are targeting early 2024 for our next major gathering.