The book originated as a series of lectures at a black inner-city church in Brooklyn, which may account for its improvisational feel.

The church has suffered the problems that have plagued other inner-city churches across America the past 30 years.

New churches and parishes were being built throughout the city, while attendance in inner-city churches declined.

St Paul's struggled to maintain both its congregation and its fabric, as many such large inner-city churches do.

Flowers rested outside the inner-city church beside several small candles, with the name Stephen placed by the railings.

"St. Mary's in New London is a good example of an inner-city church that has prospered as it changed," she said.

That is why efforts to revitalize inner-city churches are so important.

The seven clergymen, many of whom have long served inner-city churches, conceded yesterday that their appeal to voters was unusual.

What equality is there in the giving between suburban and inner-city churches?

An article discusses the popular idea of letting inner-city churches operate government welfare programs.