Despite our flaws, and internal differences, the church is rolling its sleeves up, meeting urgent needs where overburdened systems and thinned out public services cannot.
When hardship bites, particularly over the long winter months, who can we depend on to support us in our hour of need? Our instinct is to look to the federal government, local councils, and public services for support. Yet what’s so often missing in public discussion, is that the Church is already there – operating without fanfare, but quickly, locally, and on a relational, individual basis.
Winter exposes the bounds of our safety nets
From what we have encountered, the fact of poverty across the UK feels way more severe than the headlines alone suggest. Even where there are profit systems in place to guard and support probably the most vulnerable, almost one in five people on Universal Credit or disability advantages have used a food bank recently.
This crisis just isn’t just affecting people out of labor, however the ‘working poor’, who’re selecting between dinner or the flexibility to remain warm because the temperature drops. Even when on a regular basis expenses will be nearly managed, there are unavoidable bills when the cambelt on the automotive goes, or the boiler packs up.
These usually are not flash-in-a-pan figures or circumstances; they’re emblematic of the systemic issues we’re grappling with, which only worsen as winter sets in. So the query stays, who can jump in with ease and efficiency when one in five of us resides in poverty? The role of the Government, and public services, are vital. But we, because the Church, have a key role to play in providing essential, on a regular basis support.
“It is a relentless battle to maintain the meter topped up, and this causes a lot anxiety. Families usually are not capable of cook…children will just have a chilly sandwich for tea. The need for basic food and gas and electricity is at a crisis point inside our community.” – Jo Knaggs, Local Advocate for Acts 435, Gateway M40, Manchester
Kay’s story (name modified to guard confidentiality)
Let me paint a real-life picture. Kay was a full-time carer for her husband until he died, which when paired together with her own multiple health conditions, meant she was unable to work. When Kay’s health deteriorated she was admitted to hospital. On returning home she found that her boiler had broken down. Her coping strategy was to maintain a small radiator on for only one hour a day – a method that might need worked within the short term, but one which risked serious and lasting damage to her health, particularly through the winter months.
One of our partner churches in Peterborough learned of Kay’s situation and, inside just 4 days, five generous supporters, unknown to Kay, advanced to cover the price of a plumber. As a result, Kay can now stay warm in her own residence as she recovers her strength, each physically and emotionally, after such a turbulent period. More than that, the support restored her dignity, and, above all, gave her hope.
It’s here on this place of need that we are able to quickly, and quietly respond. In essence, it’s love in motion. And we, because the Church, are one of the best placed to supply this.
We’re all called to model this sort of Church
Of course, we recognise that the issues people face are complex, and in lots of cases require sustained support from multiple organisations, and public authorities. This just isn’t an argument for the Church replacing the role of presidency or the state. Rather, it recognises that the Church is present – acting because the hands and feet of Jesus through this winter and beyond, entering into a vital gap with compassion and responsibility. What may be possible if this role were more widely recognised, supported and championed?
Jenny Herrera is executive director of Acts 435 and has been involved within the charity since operations began in October 2009. She grew up in York, and is a chartered accountant by occupation. She also runs the Good Business Charter, and is actively involved in her local church. You can partner with Acts 435 here: acts435.org.uk/partner
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