British Prime Minister Keir Starmer told 300 delegates at a faith and policy event in London that churches “play an irreplaceable role at the guts of communities.”
He made the comment in a “welcome message” broadcast on the ChurchWorks Summit, a recent one-day event held at Central Hall Westminster.
The event gathered senior church leaders, government ministers, public sector representatives, and charity leaders to explore how faith and policy can contribute to social good. It showcased successful church-government partnerships, highlighted practical solutions to social challenges, and created opportunities for deeper collaboration, in response to a press release from the ChurchWorks Commission.
“Churches play an irreplaceable role at the guts of our communities – reaching out to those in need, offering practical support and spiritual guidance, and helping to construct bridges where there are divides,” said Starmer.
“This government stays firmly committed to working in partnership with church leaders and congregations, recognizing the unique strengths and insights they bring about to addressing social challenges and creating opportunities.”
Justin Brierley, creator of The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God and host of the Re-enchanting podcast, co-hosted the event with radio and tv broadcaster Swarzy Shire.
Key topics included faith in public life; tackling the mental health crisis, poverty, and supporting vulnerable children; constructing effective partnerships between churches and government; and equipping local churches to work with public services, including local authorities and the National Health Service.
Miatta Fahnbulleh also acknowledged the central role of churches in community strength during a keynote address.
“For hundreds of thousands of Christians across this country, a way of service is true at the guts of their faith. It forms a core a part of their identity and shapes how they see the world, compelling them to face alongside those in need and deal with what truly matters,” said Fahnbulleh.
“Faith and belief must remain a part of our national conversation as we face the challenges ahead. When we work together, across faiths and differences, we construct communities which can be resilient, inclusive, and connected.”
Three panels explored themes of wellbeing, children and families, and tackling poverty—priorities for the ChurchWorks Commission. Announcements resulting from these discussions included partnerships with Best Start Family Hubs, church involvement within the Child Poverty Strategy, and the appointment of the primary Strategic Faith Lead on the National Academy of Social Prescribing.
Delegate Susan Elan-Jones of the Southwark Diocese in London praised the event as a superb opportunity to fulfill diverse participants and study current policy and faith initiatives.
“It’s really vital for parishes,” she said. “I’m a fundraising adviser for community projects, and it’s vital to come back and discover more about sustainable funding.”
Closing the summit, Bishop Mike Royal, General Secretary of Churches Together in England and a ChurchWorks Commissioner, spoke in regards to the importance of unity in peacemaking initiatives.
“Difference is the change of our time, but this can also be what enriches us,” said Royal.
“No one goes anywhere. So we’d like to seek out ways to live together and never just live parallel lives. May God make us peacemakers, constructing bridges and breaking down dividing partitions. May we proceed to serve people of Christian faith, of other faiths, and of no faith in any respect.”
Fifteen organizations exhibited within the summit’s marketplace, including Christians Against Poverty, National Churches Trust, and Home For Good in partnership with Safe Families.
The ChurchWorks Commission was catalyzed by Good Faith Partnership in the course of the COVID-19 pandemic as a network of greater than 1,000 churches working alongside local and national government to support communities through vaccination efforts and food distribution.
Source: https://www.christiantoday.com/news/keir-starmer-praises-role-of-churches-in-communities
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