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- Child poverty: faith leaders call for decisive action August 31, 2025 1:01 am
38 senior faith leaders from the five major faith groups represented in the UK – including representatives of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches – have written to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, urging them to “act now to secure the futures of millions of children.” The letter addresses Sir Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves, saying, “As Parliament returns from recess and children return to school, we urge you to seize this moment to take decisive action to drive down child poverty.” The leaders argue this must include committing the investment needed to scrap the two-child limit on benefits. Signatories include The Rt Revd Martin Snow, Lord Bishop of Leicester, Revd Richard Andrew, President of the Methodist Conference, Rabbi Jonathan Wittenberg, Senior Rabbi of Masorti Judaism, Zia Salik, Director of Islamic Relief, and Lord Singh of Wimbledon. The letter goes on to read: “Your upcoming strategy on child poverty, alongside the Budget this autumn, is an opportunity to invest in our children, both for now and for the future. However, this requires commitments that match the scale of the challenge.” “It is hard to conceive of an effective Child Poverty Strategy that does not act on the restrictive benefit cap and end the two-child limit. Faith groups have challenged the limit on moral grounds, rejecting the state’s abandonment of third and later children, and the poverty this inevitably causes. As many charities and think tanks have now shown, ending the two-child limit is also the most cost-effective way to address child poverty. We believe this must be a priority for your government.” “Across our different faiths we share a commitment to human dignity. Poverty tears away at that dignity, robbing people of the opportunity to live a full life that reflects their inherent value. It is simply wrong that millions of children are born into families that struggle to cover even the essentials.” Other senior signatories to the letter include former Archbishop of Canterbury, Lord Williams, Dr Nicola Brady, General Secretary of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, Bishop John Arnold, Catholic Bishop of Salford and Imam Dr Sayed Razawi OBE, Director General, Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society. The letter was coordinated by the Joint Public Issues Team. The letter acknowledges a recent proposal from IPPR, supported by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, to raise £3.2 billion in gambling levies to pay for the two-child limit and benefit cap to be scrapped. It calls on the government to be “ambitious and creative” in finding additional investment to tackle child poverty. Revd Richard Andrew, President of the Methodist Conference, is a signatory to the letter. He said: “It’s simply wrong that so many children are growing up without the essentials of life. This is a cry for change, rooted in our belief that change is possible. Rising levels of child poverty are not inevitable. The government’s pledge to lift children out of poverty during this parliament is welcome, but now it needs to be backed up with real commitments, including scrapping the two-child limit on benefits.” The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester and the Church of England’s lead bishop for welfare, said: “Along with other faith leaders, I am deeply troubled by the scale of child poverty taking hold in our country. I warmly welcome the Government’s first steps to address this crisis through breakfast clubs, the expansion of early years provision, and now the extension of the Holiday Activities and Food programme. In that same spirit, I encourage the Prime Minister and Chancellor to build on those measures with an ambitious strategy this autumn. Ending the unfair two-child limit and benefit cap are necessary steps as we strive to fulfil our moral obligation to the next generation.” Zia Salik, Interim director, Islamic Relief UK said: “Every week we hear stories from our local partners across the UK about parents being forced to go without food so their children can eat, or families having to choose between heating and eating during the winter months. Years of austerity, and the cost-of-living crisis has put basic necessities almost out of reach for many families, leaving the most vulnerable to suffer. The government’s unfathomable decision to maintain the two-child limit has helped neither the reality of poverty on the ground for so many children or stopped the false narratives being purveyed on this issue, all while failing to understand the utmost cruelty of this situation on literal children. It is imperative that the government lifts this cap, as all it has done is harm children.” Rt Revd John Arnold, Bishop of Salford, said: “Too often I hear of families in our parishes and schools who are going without the daily essentials of food, decent housing and warmth. Far too many children are not only missing out on these basics, but also on the opportunities that allow them to develop and thrive, simply because their families are trapped in poverty. This robs them of the dignity that our faith insists is the right of every person. That is why I support the letter to the Prime Minister and why I urge him and the Government to take the decisive action needed so that every child can grow up with hope, opportunity and the chance to flourish.” Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown expressed his support for this intervention from faith leaders. He said: “Faith groups have a vital role to play in solving the endemic problem of child poverty. Their voices add to a growing chorus calling for the implementation of the government’s child poverty review, that should start with ending the two-child rule and taxing gambling to pay for the change.” Many churches and community groups are involved in supporting families affected by the two-child limit. With the government’s child poverty strategy due to be published this autumn, the faith leaders reaffirmed their commitment to take action to tackle child poverty, saying “As we call on your government to take ambitious and properly funded action, we reaffirm our commitment to work alongside you and do […]
- Child poverty: tell your MP it’s time for action August 20, 2025 4:03 pm
Levels of child poverty in the UK are rising, and set to continue rising. 4.5 million children are currently growing up without access to the essentials of life. But we believe that should and can change. “The impact of growing up in poverty is huge. It affected me physically, mentally and emotionally. Not eating enough food as a child affects your health, weight and concentration. You feel angry and confused. A child can’t understand why they’re excluded from school trips with their friends, or why they don’t have new clothes. You feel different. I felt like I was being punished. I didn’t understand we just didn’t have the money. Poverty is a wound that festers and it casts a long shadow over a lifetime. We as a society have a chance to end this cycle.” Louise, 24 This autumn, as the government finalises its long-delayed child poverty strategy, please tell your MP that it’s time for bold action. There needs to be an ambitious plan for transformation, backed with the government spending that’s going to be necessary to have an impact. This includes abolishing the two-child limit on benefits, which on its own could lift half a million children out of poverty. Take action now If you have one minute: Email your MP through Action for Children’s website here. If you have 20 minutes: Once you’ve contacted your MP, can you encourage some others to do so, too? This could be sending a few friends and family members a message with a link to this page, posting on social media, writing a short notice for your church newsletter, or speaking about it in a group you’re part of. If you have longer: Get together with others in your church or community and arrange a time to go and see your MP, or invite them to an event, to discuss the issues and why they are important. If possible, do this in partnership with projects or groups that involve people with lived experience of poverty. Nothing beats the impact of face-to-face contact, and hearing directly about people’s experiences. For support in building a positive and purposeful relationship with your MP, check out JPIT’s Constituency Action Network. Source
- Impact of immigration changes on Hong Kong BNO visa holders August 19, 2025 10:52 am
In recent years, thousands of Hongkongers have made the UK their home under the British National (Overseas) visa scheme, launched in 2021. Many have found welcome, friendship, and belonging within our church communities. However, proposals in the recent Immigration White Paper may affect Hongkongers who have already arrived, as well as those yet to come. While the government has framed the changes as part of a wider immigration policy review, some proposals risk undermining the stability, security, and family unity that have been so important in helping Hongkongers settle and thrive in the UK. The principal proposal is to extend the qualifying residency period for applying for British citizenship by five years, at a time when the first cohort of arrivals from Hong Kong were approaching the point when they would become eligible, with all the security, privileges and responsibilities that involves. Senior representatives of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church have written jointly to the Home Secretary to raise urgent concerns about the impact of the Immigration White Paper on BNO visa holders, and to seek clarity. A parliamentary debate has now been scheduled to be held on this issue on 8 September 2025. Ahead of the debate, JPIT has produced a toolkit to support people in raising the issue with MPs: Source
- New Christian Aid films to bring voices of Palestinians closer to church communities August 11, 2025 6:30 am
International development agency Christian Aid has been working with church leaders and campaigners to produce a series of resources to help tackle the long-standing and “too difficult” issues around Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. The three short films bring together the voices of UK Christians, and Palestinians in a way which helps churches start their own conversations and inspires them to act for a just peace. Campaigns and Organising Officer Jess Hall explained the films are part of the organisation’s Just Peace initiative and feature Christian Aid partners sharing their experiences and work. She added: “We understand people may shy away from conversations about Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory, seeing it as too difficult, controversial or uncomfortable. We know it can be challenging for churches to work out where to start. “Just Peace aims to build people’s understanding and break the silence. The films are available for download to use in services or discussion events and the accompanying resources, which include an Order of Service and event guide, can be used flexibly to suit your church or meeting.” The resources have received support from church leaders around the UK. The Revd Dr Simon Woodman, from Bloomsbury Central Baptist Church, said as followers of Jesus, we are called to act justly and to be peacemakers. He added: “There are unmistakable injustices so many Palestinians face daily and it’s easy to forget real people are living these realities. “Many churches can be hesitant to engage with this issue and there are important concerns but well-meaning worries can end up serving as a kind of moral paralysis; in effect they mean turning a blind eye. “These films will help churches have the courage to talk about Palestinian justice in a way that’s careful, responsible and faithful.” The Revd Claire Whitmore, from Christians for Palestine, also took part in the filming. She said: “Getting a conversation started about acting for a just peace in the Holy Land can be challenging for churches. Church leaders and members alike can be unsure about where to begin. It’s been great to work on these films and resources that can help Christians find a way in, and the courage to pray and act together as a church. “My hope is that as churches come closer to the experiences of Palestinians, and hear the voices of ordinary Christians who are seeking peace, they will be inspired to speak out and stand up for an end to the violence of war and occupation.” And Philip Austen, of the Northern Friends Peace Board, added: “As Quakers we have a strong tradition of peacemaking. My hope is that these films and resources will add to the toolbox of any Quaker Meeting to help nurture peacemaking in our communities and networks. The new resources offer an opportunity as Quakers to reach out to our local Christian communities and share our experiences and traditions of peacemaking and encourage others to get involved. “I hope the voices included in these resources will also be effective in bringing home just some of the reality of Palestinian experiences at this crucial time. It has been good to be part of this group, learning from those in different faith traditions about what some of the challenges and openings are in engaging our communities. And I have welcomed the opportunity to make connections between this initiative and the broader Christian peace network.” Jess added: “We hope church communities will come together to reflect on what they see and hear – the injustice of poverty, displacement, denial of rights and detention experienced by Palestinians – and respond.” Christian Aid is urging churches and meeting houses to join in its actions by contacting local politicians, taking part in the Fast for Gaza or joining its monthly Prayers for Peace in the Middle East. To download the films and resources, go to: Inspire your church to act for a just peace – Christian Aid. Main image: Majid Fathi/Christian Aid Source
- We could reduce child poverty by half a million August 8, 2025 10:49 am
Child poverty has steadily increased over the past 15 years, but it is clear how that trend can be reversed. It requires government and institutions to prioritise poverty reduction, and a significant financial investment in measures that will have an impact. In the autumn, the Government will publish its long-awaited Child Poverty Strategy – laying out what government will do alone, as well as coordinating institutions across society in the fight against child poverty. The signs are that the strategy will say good things. The big question mark hanging over it is whether, in the current fiscal context, the government will find the resources to make the financial investment that is necessary. This week the Institute of Public Policy Research, supported by former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, has published research showing that increasing gambling levies to the levels in many of our neighbouring European countries would raise £3.2Bn – enough, if invested well, to lift half a million children from poverty. The charity Action for Children produced research earlier this year that found that the most cost effective way to invest this money would be to end the two child benefit rule. This rule denies Universal Credit, the main benefit supporting families on low incomes, to third and later children. It is a major driver of poverty, with large families having a poverty rate 50% higher than smaller families. The revenues from levies on gambling would open the door to abolishing the two child rule. Over the coming weeks, faith leaders, charities and politicians will be reiterating the case for government to invest in our children, and begin to turn the tide on child poverty. You can add your voice today by signing Action for Children’s petition here. In the News: Gordon Brown urges Rachel Reeves to hike gambling taxes at Budget – BBC News The gambling industry is a licence to print money. Tax it properly – and turbocharge the fight against child poverty | Gordon Brown | The Guardian Lord Williams backs Gordon Brown’s child-poverty campaign– Church Times Watch: Gordon Brown calls on Labour to scrap two-child benefit cap | ITV Source
- URC grants help holiday clubs thrive August 8, 2025 8:17 am
Did you know you can apply for grants to assist you in holiday clubs, uniform groups and for general child/ youth work. It can sometimes be tricky to know how to resource an event or venture that has a missional focus if you have limited finances. Holiday clubs are always in need of more pens and glue, kids in uniform groups may need help subsidising the purchase of uniform and refreshments are always needed for a hungry youth group – the URC are keen to help ensure these financial concerns are not a barrier to fulfilling missional work. There have been a few applications for grants just recently and each application is asked to send back a report and photos of how the money was spent. Bamford Chapel, Rochdale, used the URC material ‘sparks and stories’ to present their holiday club, turning the church into a giant campsite. The ‘Holiday club grant’ enabled the church to hire a badge maker and to pay for craft and science equipment. St John the Evangelist, Kingston Park, applied for a ‘links to uniformed groups grant’. The Church held a Christmas tree festival and hosted a cake fundraising event at it. The uniform groups are new and so are low on funds, the Church were delighted to offer trees for them to use purchased with the grant money. London Street URC, Basingstoke applied for a ‘general CYW grant’ and were able to take 8 children to camp in Wessex. While at camp the children joined in with high ropes, zip wire and skate boarding. The camp also enabled the children to bond and to meet other young Christians from other churches. 1st Haydock girls brigade group which meet at Christchurch URC, Haydock applied for a ‘links with uniformed groups grant’ to enable them to subsidize the purchase of uniform. The church felt that being able to help subsidize uniform made it more accessible for families to join, thus ending with 18 new members. Through the ‘general CYW grant’ Heath URC, Halifax were able to buy a URC advent pack for each child who attends their beaver pack. The leaders really appreciated using the packs during their December meetings. After the Elders of Tadley united, Tadley attended the excellent “Growing Your Church” course hosted by Wessex Synod they decided that some “re-focusing” on their children’s work would be a vital factor in their “long term growth plans” for the church! Thanks to the support of the C&YW/DDF Grant they have now run 3 successful events with between 6 & 8 children each time, and more events are already planned for this year and envisaged for next year. Click the link to apply for a grant or to find out more.bit.ly/CYWgrants Source
- Insulting the disabled…again August 7, 2025 3:42 pm
Last month the Leader of the Opposition gave a speech about disability benefits that resurrected the discredited “Skiver v Striver” rhetoric of 15 years ago. This time it is “Makers v Takers”, a slogan which she did not make, but took from US debates in the early 2010s. This pattern of misrepresenting the poorest is not only a modern phenomenon. In 1753 John Wesley, the founder of Methodism said, “So wickedly, devilishly false is that common objection, ‘They are poor, only because they are idle’. Yet no matter how many times we challenge these wicked falsehoods they evolve and reappear. Last month’s speech followed the well-worn modern formula. A new ridiculous statistic is produced; this time a think-tanker had tortured a spreadsheet to find the maximum amount a very unusual and very hypothetical person could get from the benefits system and then used this hypothetical to indicate disabled people were actually having it quite easy. The shockingly high poverty, destitution and hunger rates for disabled people in the real world were of course unmentioned[1]. There were also quick shareable soundbites, the most notable of which was that Motability cars are given out for food-intolerances[2] – a lie of the same calibre as “immigrants are eating the dogs” – which has provided social media fodder for those who want to be unpleasant to disabled people. I have gone through the speech line by line and factchecked the claims, but a blow-by-blow account would give them more respect than they deserve. To take the claims seriously you would really have to want to be fooled. The question is why do so many people want to be fooled and why do politicians so frequently oblige? What is to be gained by insulting the disabled? It is important to realise this rhetoric isn’t needed to make the case for change. The speech was clear that the proposed cuts to disability benefits were driven by perceived financial and ideological concerns. I would argue those concerns are misplaced, but they could form part of a respectful and truthful political debate. The nastiness of “skiver vs striver” is used to solve a political problem. The British public have wanted disabled people to have higher benefits consistently for more than 25 years[3]. Taking money from disabled people is not a good look. The solution is to present people relying on disability benefits as not really disabled, not impoverished and potential cheats who are better off than ordinary workers like you. None of that is true; 15 years ago implying these things created a climate of fear and hatred towards disabled people which sadly seems to be returning; but the payoff is that it makes cutting benefits for disabled people more palatable. It is worth noting that as the current Government also tried to convince people that its package of disability benefit cuts would not cause hardship. Rather than directly painting the disabled people losing out as undeserving “takers”, they chose instead to say that more people would move into work. This, they claimed, would minimise the number of people being made worse off, and even make many better off. These are not new claims to put alongside benefit cuts, but a minute’s engagement with reality shows that while millions would lose out from the cuts, at best only thousands would be helped into work – leaving millions of already disadvantaged disabled people worse off. Again, the political reality that the public don’t want to take from disabled people was dealt with by misrepresenting the reality of disabled people’s lives. Facilitating deliberate ignorance In 1786 Charles Wesley wrote the sermon “On visiting the Sick”. Then, just as now, illness and disability were linked to poverty. The opening passage of the sermon says: “One great reason why the rich, in general, have so little sympathy for the poor, is because they so seldom visit them… Many of them do not know, because they do not care to know: they keep out of the way of knowing it; and then plead their voluntary ignorances an excuse for their hardness of heart. “Indeed, Sir,” said person of large substance, “I am a very compassionate man. But, to tell you the truth, I do not know anybody in the world that is in want.” The tired rhetoric of “skiver vs striver” is the modern way of “keeping out of the way of knowing” about the poverty and injustice faced by many disabled people in the UK. Its purpose is to allow us to feel like “very compassionate people”, while doing extraordinarily uncompassionate things. Taking money from the poorest makes them poorer My next blog will be about the claims that disability benefits are unaffordable[4] and how increases in employment and in poverty are now going hand in hand. But before we can have that conversation it is important to reject the conveniently simple notion that cutting disability benefits will not hurt disabled people or will only hurt people whose disability is trivial or non-existent. We may want to believe that there are pain-free cuts to make, and sadly politicians are willing to tell you this – but it is simply nonsense. Taking money from the poorest makes poor people poorer. Anyone proposing such cuts must justify their choice acknowledging that reality – anything else looks like “voluntary ignorance”. [1] Income poverty amongst the disabled is around 33% higher for disabled people, 62% of people classified as destitute have a disability, and 7 in 10 families referred to Trussell food banks contain someone with a disability. [2] PIP enhanced mobility component which is used to pay for Motability cars. This is not based on any clinical diagnosis, and certainly not food allergies. It is qualified for via a functional assessment – ie to receive the benefit that you can use to access a Motability car you must, amongst many other things, prove to the DWP that you are unable stand and move (aided or unaided) for more than 20m. It is also important […]
- Gaza – Calls for Change August 6, 2025 11:01 am
The Church of Scotland, United Reformed Church, Methodist Church and Baptist Union have each called for change in light of the worsening treatment of people in Gaza. Each of the statements note our duty to speak out, witnesses to the blocking of food and vital supplies entering Gaza, and calls on the U.K. Government to act. Following its General Assembly, the Church of Scotland wrote to the foreign secretary after the Church ‘condemned the resumption of the war on Gaza, the blockade of food and humanitarian aid, the ongoing forcible displacement of Gazans and the continued holding of hostages.’ The letter witnessed to ‘clear evidence of mass killings of civilians, of mass forced hunger, of mass forced displacement’ and called for the restart of effective aid and a permanent ceasefire. At its General Assembly, the United Reformed Church adopted a resolution which ‘(a) commends the June 2025 statement from the World Council of Churches with its call to ‘End Apartheid, Occupation, and Impunity in Palestine and Israel’ including the assertion that the Government of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has entailed grave breaches of the Fourth Geneva Convention which may constitute genocide and/or other crimes under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) (b) calls for a peaceful resolution to the continuing conflict in the Middle East through dialogue and diplomacy.’ In a statement this July, the Baptist Union calls for An immediate and permanent bilateral ceasefire in Gaza. The release of all hostages. Unconditional access for humanitarian aid to enter the whole of Gaza, including immediate access to water, food, medicine and electricity. Widespread affirmation of the rights of both Palestinians and Israelis to exist and to live in peace and security, recognizing this as a foundational principle of international law and a prerequisite for any lasting peace. An end to the development of illegal settlements in the Palestinian territories. The acknowledgment of the reality of apartheid and unimpeded access and support for international accountability mechanisms, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC) and other appropriate humanitarian and legal institutions, to conduct truly independent investigations into all war crimes and crimes against humanity, to ensure accountability. Support for the resilience and witness of Christian churches and communities, upholding their right to remain on their land and to freely practice their faith. The UK government to end all arms sales to Israel, until it can be independently verified that they are not being used to violate international humanitarian law. We urge the UK government to use all diplomatic channels to establish a just peace and a hopeful and secure future for all in Israel and the Palestinian Territories.’ Just hours before Keir Starmer’s announcement that the British Government will recognise a Palestinian state in September, failing a ceasefire, the Methodist Church called ‘on the UK Government to recognise Palestine as an Independent State’ following a memorial (motion) to the Methodist Conference. The President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference stated that, ‘We have been appalled and horrified by the pictures and first-hand witness accounts of the dire situation in Gaza, particularly around access to food for those existing there. No-one could fail to be moved by the images of emaciated children and we have a moral duty to heed and act on the warnings from countless aid agencies of mass starvation and malnutrition.’ The Methodist statement concluded with a prayer: ‘Creator God, you breathed life into this world and us all. We long for an end to suffering in Gaza and pray for freedom for all your creation. Give to those in authority wisdom to act decisively for the good of all, so that we may see a just and peaceful resolution in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. In the name of the Prince of Peace, Amen.’ Source
- URC helps petition government on climate August 4, 2025 4:25 pm
Eighteen Christian organisations, including the United Reformed Church, have called on the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Energy Secruity and Net Zero, to abandon fossil fuels. In a joint letter, signed by Catriona Wheeler, URC General Assembly Moderator 2025-2026, the organisations express deep concern that “further oil and gas extraction might be permitted by the government under its regulatory processes, despite the government’s new guidance on oil and gas extraction requiring consideration of the environmental impacts”. The groups who signed the letter also called for the climate leadership that was promised in Labour’s manifesto and expressed particular alarm by the proposed Rosebank oil field which is incompatible with safe climate limits. The Revd James Grote, a Baptist minister, who attended the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to deliver the letter on 23 July, said: “Climate change has now become today’s emergency in Europe. If we are to continue to live in hope, we have to act now and move away from burning fossil fuels. This is our only hope for our one and only planet. Agreeing to the development of the Rosebank oil field would be a step closer to despair. The British government must give us hope.” In January of this year, the previous government’s approval of Rosebank was overturned in the courts, primarily on the grounds that the developers did not account for the emissions that would be created by the inevitable burning of the huge quantities of oil and gas that would be produced by the Rosebank field over its lifetime. These emissions are so large, that they are larger than the combined emissions of the world’s 28 poorest countries. This was a significant legal win in the fight to end of fossil fuel production in the UK. In June, the government announced new rules for the process that governs oil and gas project approvals. With these new rules in place, Rosebank’s lead developer – Norwegian oil giant Equinor – is expected to submit a new application to get Rosebank approved, this time including the calculation of its lifetime emissions. Over recent weeks, a number of open letters from ocean groups, health institutions, Scottish groups, grassroots communities, parent voices and now Christian groups, have been sent to the Government expressing opposition to the exploitation of the Rosebank field, demonstrating a strong consensus across society that the project must not be given permission to proceed. Read the letter in full. Image: JPIT. Source
- For Goodness Sake! What’s the plan? August 4, 2025 3:08 pm
Are you wondering what’s going to happen at our 2025 Justice Conference For Goodness Sake!? Speaker announcements are winding their way to you but, for now, here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect on the day: Morning Welcome and Worship Get a coffee and have a chat when you arrive and then move into the main hall for a warm welcome and inspiring time of prayer, facilitated by a leading expert in justice-centred worship. Keynote and Panel Our first keynote and panel will address the question, “What is ours to do?” It is so easy to get overwhelmed by all of the injustice we notice and experience every day. Our speakers are active in justice-seeking work and have lots to share about how we might pray, speak and act for justice today. Watch this space for speaker announcements coming soon! Listening Spaces Which voices are being heard loud and clear? Whose voices are being ignored? Our six listening spaces will build on community organising practices to enable us to hear each-other’s voices, and the voices of those most effected by issues of injustice. These will include spaces for listening to people live from Gaza, people with lived experience of poverty and marginalisation, a creative exploration of how we might witness to environmental justice, and more. Lunch Conversation Spaces During lunchtime, there will be the option to take a break and/or to listen to each-other more. Facilitated conversation spaces over lunch will enable networking around the topics that matter to you. Afternoon Keynote Our second keynote will be given by an inspiring speaker whose name you will recognise, and who is known for speaking truth to power in love. Watch this space to find out who we are talking about. Workshops Our workshops are an opportunity to skill up and to share your knowledge and experiences, too. They include spaces to explore worship and justice, narrative psychology, community organising, building relationships with politicians and more. Our workshop leaders include folks from the Iona Community, Just Money, the Trussell Trust, and individuals with insider (and outsider!) knowledge about doing politics differently. Closing Worship and Goodbye Our closing worship will prepare us to take our new experiences and connections back out into the world as we continue to long, pray and work for justice. Throughout the Day Stalls There will be stalls from a wide range of organisations who can support you in working for justice where you are. Craftivism, Filming and Writing Our craftivism, filming, and writing activities will provide a range of ways to share our voices with members of the public, of our churches, and politicians. Quiet Space A quiet space will be available throughout the day for reflection, prayer, meditation and rest. Space to Connect Space to connect over refreshments will be available throughout the day. Who will you meet at For Goodness Sake! A gathering of Christians who long for justice. Source
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Category Archives: URC News
Child poverty: faith leaders call for decisive action
38 senior faith leaders from the five major faith groups represented in the UK – including representatives of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches – have written to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, urging them to “act now to … Continue reading
Child poverty: tell your MP it’s time for action
Levels of child poverty in the UK are rising, and set to continue rising. 4.5 million children are currently growing up without access to the essentials of life. But we believe that should and can change. “The impact of growing … Continue reading
Impact of immigration changes on Hong Kong BNO visa holders
In recent years, thousands of Hongkongers have made the UK their home under the British National (Overseas) visa scheme, launched in 2021. Many have found welcome, friendship, and belonging within our church communities. However, proposals in the recent Immigration White … Continue reading
New Christian Aid films to bring voices of Palestinians closer to church communities
International development agency Christian Aid has been working with church leaders and campaigners to produce a series of resources to help tackle the long-standing and “too difficult” issues around Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory. The three short films bring … Continue reading
We could reduce child poverty by half a million
Child poverty has steadily increased over the past 15 years, but it is clear how that trend can be reversed. It requires government and institutions to prioritise poverty reduction, and a significant financial investment in measures that will have an … Continue reading
URC grants help holiday clubs thrive
Did you know you can apply for grants to assist you in holiday clubs, uniform groups and for general child/ youth work. It can sometimes be tricky to know how to resource an event or venture that has a missional … Continue reading
Insulting the disabled…again
Last month the Leader of the Opposition gave a speech about disability benefits that resurrected the discredited “Skiver v Striver” rhetoric of 15 years ago. This time it is “Makers v Takers”, a slogan which she did not make, but … Continue reading
Gaza – Calls for Change
The Church of Scotland, United Reformed Church, Methodist Church and Baptist Union have each called for change in light of the worsening treatment of people in Gaza. Each of the statements note our duty to speak out, witnesses to the … Continue reading
URC helps petition government on climate
Eighteen Christian organisations, including the United Reformed Church, have called on the Prime Minister and the Secretary of State for Energy Secruity and Net Zero, to abandon fossil fuels. In a joint letter, signed by Catriona Wheeler, URC General Assembly … Continue reading
For Goodness Sake! What’s the plan?
Are you wondering what’s going to happen at our 2025 Justice Conference For Goodness Sake!? Speaker announcements are winding their way to you but, for now, here’s a sneak peak of what you can expect on the day: Morning Welcome … Continue reading