History

Before MiLE was launched in 2005 the organisation had been operating as SLIM - the South London Industrial Mission. This had a long track record of involvement in chaplaincy and workplace development since 1942.

Starting with two Cathedral clergy during the Second World War, the South London Industrial Mission grew during the 1950s and 60s into a large membership body with a Council which supported the work of a team of full-time chaplains. During the 1970s and early 1980s SLIM became more a network of people seeking to relate Christian faith to the world of work, served by chaplains whose central task remained the visiting of industry (now more broadly defined). At the same time the Mission's concerns widened to include broader urban structures (of which industry is one element), and global and ecological issues.

Changes in industry, society and the Churches led to changes in SLIM's practice and theology. However, there are considerable continuities, because the ethos of First World War army chaplains has, directly or indirectly, remained influential throughout the history, and because SLIM retained close links with the life of South London's churches.

New practice and ideas have always been added by way of synthesis, not by displacement of older practices and ideas.

MiLE's development is an example of the ways in which the processes of social change are affecting the Church and the relationships between the Church and other institutions. SLIM's history of work to build bridges between the Church, industrial society and Christian faith provide an important source of material for reflection as the Church develops its strategy for mission in a secular world. A fuller history is available by request of the webmaster.