This foundational book is in the lineage of, and builds on, Living Cells, Signs of Hope, and Small Christian Communities: A Pastoral Companion. It benefits, however, from seven years of added experience in many parts of the world. One third to half of the writing is new, the spirituality more developed, and the theological, spiritual and practical elements better integrated. There are also many additions and significant nuances. In effect we are talking of a new work.

Of particular interest will be the historical profile. The author has enlisted enormously experienced and knowledgeable people to write the profiles of their own continents; folk who have themselves contributed significantly to the history about which they write. The profiles update the situation to the turn of the millennium and probably are as complete as any available.

What the author sets out to do is to provide insights and suggestions on the vision and practicalities of small Christian communities, or basic ecclesial communities. He is clear about the fact that in dealing with these communities we are not talking of a mere pastoral strategy or groups that are part of a helping movement in the church. The small Christian communities are church. They are of the essence. Furthermore they are emerging as one of the most significant ways in which the Spirit is implementing the communitarian vision of church proposed by Vatican II; these communities are growing and networking in wider situations - parishes for example - so as to form a communion of communities. Paul VI saw this development as a sign of great hope for the church and the world. They are not, nor do they wish to be, a parallel church, but they are unmistakeably a new way of being church.