Faith responses to poverty and need
I don’t know what emotions you felt when the general election results came in a few weeks ago: Jubilation for some, perhaps despondency for others and, given national voter turnout, maybe some indifference. A few weeks in and we’re getting used to the new PM and government ministers on our screens.
During the election campaign, Keir Starmer, wrote to faith groups to commend their contribution to society. He wrote:
“Through years of austerity, a global pandemic, overseas conflicts and a cost-of-living crisis, our faith groups have served with resilience and compassion. You have saved lives, sustained families and strengthened communities in their hour of need. You have demonstrated what it means to be a society of service and we are forever grateful.”
Sir Keir Starmer, June 2024
Quick to respond
Faith groups are often very dynamic, responding quickly to those in need. Across the country they have provided hot meals, food banks, cookery lessons and equipment, advocacy and advice for all in the community.
Colwall Mothers’ Union recently heard from Christians Against Poverty who have seen over 20,000 people become debt free. They provide an extensive network of support for those struggling with poverty and debt. Of the 3m food parcels CAP provided last year, over 1.1m were for children. The figures are staggering. The Mothers’ Union in Herefordshire has been active in funding a crises intervention fund; holidays for those unable to afford them; and wash bags with essentials for those suddenly finding themselves in hospital.
In his letter, Keir Starmer stated that he wanted to lead a “mission-led” government. Mission is important to Christians. Theologian Karl Barth argued that there could be “No participation in Christ without participation in his mission to the world.” That is, as Christians we are compelled to put love into action and “be” in the world. In Colwall this work includes supporting the food bank; the Colwall Parish Charity; the Admiral’s Café for those with dementia; reducing our environmental impact, providing warm spaces in winter and targeted support for those with immediate needs. Our partnership with St James’s church, Aston grounds us in the needs of both urban and rural communities, and a chance to support people living in very different circumstances to us.
For so many people, change is needed. Here, in relatively comfortable Colwall and Coddington, 6% of children live in poverty, as do 10% of pensioners (source: Church Urban Fund). The Joseph Rowntree Foundation state that between 2019 – 2022, the poorest families in the UK– those living in very deep poverty – had an average income that was 59% below the poverty line: less than half the very minimum required to live on. The data is sobering and whilst churches and other faith groups have been at the forefront working to alleviate poverty, there is so much more to be done.
Jesus doesn’t allow us to be passive when faced with such human challenges. As Christians we follow his example, reaching out lovingly to the poor and those in need, and in challenging the systems that trap and prevent people from reaching their potential.
But the network of organisations working locally to help individuals, families and children in need can only provide this with your support. From volunteering, donating money, goods, time or expertise, there are many ways to get involved. And if you know somebody in need, the contacts list in The Clock can help them get the support they need.
Best wishes
Revd. Andrew