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News on poverty, debt and the financial crisis

February 2015

Archbishop of Canterbury sets out a vision of The Good Economy
Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, explained the features needed in 'The Good Economy' at an event organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Inclusive Growth.
Archbishop of Canterbury link to external website
 

January 2015

People with mental health problems more likely to have benefits stopped
Data obtained using the Freedom of Information Act by policy advisers for the Methodist Church shows that more than 100 people per day with mental health problems are having their benefits sanctioned.

'Sanctioning someone with a mental health problem for being late for a meeting is like sanctioning someone with a broken leg for limping. The fact that this system punishes people for the symptoms of their illness is a clear and worrying sign that it is fundamentally flawed,' said Paul Morrison of the Methodist Church.

Methodist Church link to external website

Christian Aid becomes Living Wage employer
Christian Aid, which employs 536 staff across the UK, has been accredited as a Living Wage employer committing to pay all UK employees, third-party contractors and suppliers a minimum hourly wage of £7.85.
Christian Aid link to external website

December 2014

All-Party Parliamentary Group Inquiry Report on Hunger and Food Poverty
Christian leaders and organisations have given initial reactions to the All-Party Parliamentary Group Inquiry Report on Hunger and Food Poverty.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, commented how shocking he finds the growth of food bank use in the UK, but was enthused that the report's proposals were 'eminently practical' and 'not unreasonably expensive'.

Director of Church Action on Poverty, Niall Cooper said 'It is no longer possible to deny the scale of the problem, nor the many and complex reasons for it - including chronic low pay, benefit problems and benefit sanctions'... 'The Parliamentary Inquiry makes many serious recommendations, and it is incumbent on politicians to come up with a serious response.'

Archbishop of Canterbury link to external website
Church Action on Poverty link to external website
All-Party Parliamentary Group Inquiry Report link to external website

 

November 2014

Inclusive Church resource on poverty
A new book has been produced for churches who want to be more inclusive of church members who are in poverty. It is written by Susan Durber, Theology Advisor for Christian Aid, has an introduction by Inclusive Church trustee Savi Hensman, and contains notes and ideas from Church Action on Poverty. Church Action on Poverty supporters can order copies at a discounted price.
Inclusive Church link to external website
Church Action on Poverty link to external website

New report shows poorest continue to be hit hardest
Church Action on Poverty has responded to the publication of a major new report on poverty in the UK by calling on politicians to work for a good society. Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion 2014, from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, shows that many people are still not benefiting from the claimed economic recovery: work is insecure, wages are not enough to make ends meet, and the housing market has a negative impact on people in poverty.

'This is a reminder that economic recovery means nothing if it doesn't benefit the poorest and most vulnerable. We urgently need to start working together to build a good society, with dignity and secure livelihoods for all, and enough homes for all to flourish. As the General Election approaches, we must talk about how we can make that vision a reality', commented Church Action on Poverty's Communications Manager, Liam Purcell.
Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion 2014 link to external website
Church Action on Poverty link to external website
Good Society Project link to external website

Regulators to tackle payday lenders following church campaigning
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) announced last week that a cap will be placed on payday lending from January 2015. It means that for new payday loans, including if they are rolled over, interest and fees must not exceed 0.8% per day of the amount borrowed. Fixed default fees cannot exceed £15 and the overall cost of a payday loan will never exceed 100% of the amount borrowed.

Church Action on Poverty's Communications Manager Liam Purcell commented: 'The cap will make life easier for thousands of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the UK. It shows that when churches and Christians speak out prophetically against injustice, they really can achieve change.'

Church Action on Poverty link to external website

Archbishop of Canterbury launches To Your Credit financial initiative
To Your Credit, described as 'an initiative to create a fairer financial system focused on serving the whole community, where everyone has access to responsible credit and savings and other essential financial services', has been launched by Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.
To Your Credit link to external website

Belfast church wins first ever UK Christian Social Action Award
The Willowfield Parish Community Association, Belfast, received the award for the Best Transformative Community Project For Vulnerable Young People, at a ceremony held by the Christian Funders' Forum on 12 November 2014.
Church of Ireland link to external website

Using Ethical Investment to Close the Gap: Fair Pay - ECCR report
To mark its 25th anniversary, the Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR) has released a report Using Ethical Investment to Close the Gap, 'a radical call to action for the investor community to use their ownership responsibilities to address ever increasing levels of wealth inequality in the UK'.
ECCR link to external website

FoodStore Network to offer support for church based food banks
The FoodStore Network, supported by the Cinnamon Network and Tearfund, offers set up, training and ongoing support for independent, church based food banks. Modelled on the Darlington FoodStore Network, it aims to create a national network of FoodStores, working to the same aims and values as the Darlington network.
The Foodstore Network link to external website

October 2014

Two sides of the same coin: poverty North and South, 8 Nov, Manchester
A joint conference between Christian Aid and Church Action on Poverty (with Church Action on Poverty's 2014 AGM), exploring how many of the causes of poverty are the same across the world.
Church Action on Poverty link to external website

Church of Scotland calls for eradication of food poverty to be priority
The Church of Scotland has demanded the Scottish Government prioritises the eradication of food poverty in its response to the Scottish Government discussion document Becoming a Good Food Nation.
Church of Scotland link to external website

Just Money: How Catholic Social Teaching can Redeem Capitalism
This publication from the Theos think tank, written by journalist Clifford Longley, with a forward by Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, explores what needs to change if the business world is truly to serve society, and if the culture change so urgently needed in business is to take root. In doing so, he unpacks the theory of 'Just Money' drawing on the extensive and detailed tradition of Catholic social thought.
Theos
link to external website

Archbishop of Canterbury on IMF/World Bank ethics and finance panel
Finance must be about 'human flourishing', said the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, during a panel discussion at the 2014 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group in Washington. The Archbishop was talking alongside the Governor of the Bank of England, Mark Carney, and the Managing Director of the IMF, Christine Lagarde.
Archbishop of Canterbury link to external website

Church leaders seek clarity on welfare reform in Northern Ireland
The leaders of the main Churches in Northern Ireland have written to the Minister for Social Development and the Chair of the Social Development Committee to seek to discuss the challenges presented by the Welfare Reform Bill and to express their concern about the impact of the continued uncertainty regarding the Bill on the most vulnerable members of society.
Church of Ireland link to external website 

June 2014

Living Wage Commission report says 1M can be lifted out of low pay
The number of people in low pay in the UK can be slashed by over 1 million by 2020 according to the Living Wage Commission, chaired by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.
Archbishop of York link to external website

Poverty Truth Commission demands action on low wage economy
A new report into poverty, backed by the Church of Scotland and Faith in Community Scotland, is to demand an end to the poor employment practices which are trapping many working Scots on very low wages.
Church of Scotland link to external website

Churches respond to Government's draft Child Poverty Strategy
The UK Government's credibility in tackling child poverty has been questioned by the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches in response to the Government's draft 'Child Poverty Strategy'.
Joint Public Issues Team link to external website

International Fairness Conference with Archbishop of York - 9 June 2014
The Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu, will be speaking at the International Fairness Conference hosted by the City of York Council on 9 June 2014 at the University of York. The conference will discuss the issue of poverty and the role of place to promote fairness. Sessions will include communities and fairness, what entails ‘good growth', views from the community of York, lessons from Europe and the role of civic leaders in the challenges of the future.
Archbishop of York link to external website 
   

May 2014

Church credit union may establish whole new financial sector in society
Access to credit for people within the church and organisations linked to it could be revolutionised by the new Churches Mutual Credit Union (CMCU), a joint initiative of the Church of Scotland, Church of England and Methodist Church, says the Church of Scotland.
Church of Scotland link to external website

Turning up the volume on poverty - 21 June 1014, Glasgow
Over the last two years, the Poverty Truth Commission has been working on what needs to change to help those in Scotland who live in grinding poverty every day. The commission is made up of some of Scotland's senior leaders and people who experience poverty on a daily basis. It is supported by the Church of Scotland. On 21st June, in Glasgow's Woodside Halls, the commission will present its findings in music, drama, poetry, comedy, interview and film.
ACTS link to external website
Poverty Truth Commission link to external website

Faith in Foodbanks - resource for churches
Faith in Foodbanks is a three part resource for churches exploring the growth of foodbanks from a Christian perspective. Sign of the Times, available to download now, provides six Bible studies to explore the ministry of Foodbanks and what God's Word might teach us about them. A second resource will look at why Christians care about food poverty and why the number of foodbanks is growing, including 'fact and fiction about foodbanks'. A collection of worship resources will include worship ideas, including a sermon outline, reflections and prayers. Faith in Foodbanks is being produced by the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church, United Reformed Church and Church Action on Poverty.
Joint Public Issue Team link to external website

Report: role of civil society in tackling poverty in the UK
This report from Edge Hill University (commissioned by the APPG Poverty and Webb Memorial Trust) looks at approaches to reducing poverty and inequality in the UK including the Trussell Trust's work with food banks and Church Action on Poverty's The Blame Game Must Stop report.
Webb Memorial Trust link to external website

April 2014

40 bishops and 600 Church leaders call for urgent action on food poverty
40 bishops and over 600 other Church leaders and clergy from across the major Christian denominations in Britain have co-signed a new letter calling for urgent Government action on food poverty. The letter published to coincide with the end of Lent is in support of the End Hunger Fast campaign. It highlights figures released today from The Trussell Trust showing a rise in numbers visiting food banks from 350,000 last year to over 900,000 this year.
End Hunger Fast link to external website
Open letter in The Guardian link to external website

Archbishop Justin and Cardinal Nichols - week of prayer for social action
Archbishop Justin Welby and Cardinal Vincent Nichols are encouraging people to join in a week of prayer for the church's work serving those in need, which they have called Listen To God: Hear the Poor.
Archbishop of Canterbury link to external website

 

March 2014

Help hungry people tell their stories to national inquiry on food poverty
Church Action on Poverty is asking for support to organise events so that the national inquiry into the causes of food poverty hears directly from the people who depend on food banks.
Church Action on Poverty link to external website

Web of Poverty sets out Church Urban Fund's understanding of poverty
This paper by the Church Urban Fund explores the definition of poverty and explains CUFs approach to tackling it.
Church Urban Fund link to external website

Budget once again fails the poorest - Caritas Social Action Network
The Chancellor's Budget statement fails to get to grips with poverty in the UK says CSAN, the social action arm of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
Catholic Church in England and Wales link to external website

Food banks a reflection on Britain as a society - Archbishop of Wales
The growth in food banks shows we care about each other but also raises questions about why they exist at all says the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan.  While opening a food bank in a church in Barry, the Archbishop said food banks were "a reflection on all of us, on Britain as a society - we are a broken society in some ways".
The Church in Wales link to external website

February 2014

Churches challenge government on child poverty
The UK government's Child Poverty Strategy has been attacked by the Baptist Union of Great Britain, Methodist and United Reformed Churches, which say that it fails to provide a credible plan to tackle child poverty. CSAN, the social action arm of the Catholic Church in England and Wales, has urged the government to "tackle the growing scandal of child poverty in working households" and take steps to promote the living wage. The Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) has done an analysis of the statistics relating to children in poverty and, while the Government has claimed that it has reduced child poverty by 500,000, JPIT says that figures from the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggest that the estimated number of children in poverty has risen from 3.6 million in 2010 to 3.9 million today.
Methodist Church link to external website
Catholic Church in England and Wales link to external website
Joint Public Issues Team link to external website

Week of prayer for social action - Archbishop Justin and Cardinal Nichols
The Archbishop of Canterbury and the Cardinal Archbishop of Westminster have launched a joint initiative to encourage people to pray for the work churches do to support people in need during Lent.
Church of England link to external website

Bishop of Truro to lead inquiry into food banks and food poverty
An inquiry into food banks and food poverty, involving MPs and Peers from all parties, will focus on the underlying causes of food poverty and reasons for the growth in food banks. The Bishop of Truro, Rt Rev Tim Thornton, will co-chair the inquiry with Frank Field MP (Chair of the APPG on Hunger and Food Poverty).
Church of England link to external website

Food poverty in Britain a 'national crisis' say bishops and Church leaders
Twenty seven Anglican bishops and leaders from across the Methodist Church, United Reformed Church and the Quakers have written an open letter, published by the Mirror and widely reported across the media, calling on the government to "make sure that work pays" and to "ensure that the welfare system provides a robust last line of defence against hunger". The letter is part of the End Hunger Fast campaign, a Lent fast in support of those going hungry in Britain, supported by the Trussell Trust, Church Action on Poverty and the Quakers.
End Hunger Fast link to external website
Church Action on Poverty link to external website
Mirror link to external website

Churches say Prime Minister wrong on number of workless households
Prime Minister David Cameron's article in The Telegraph on 18 Feb 2014 claims that the number of workless households doubled over the last decade, when ONS data shows that they increased from 3.7 million in 1997 to 3.9 million in 2010, say the Church of Scotland, Baptist Union of Great Britain, Methodist Church, United Reformed Church and charity Housing Justice.
Methodist Church link to external website

Government's response to criticism of welfare reform misleading
The response of the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) to Cardinal-designate Vincent Nichols' criticism of welfare reform has come under fire from churches. The Baptist Union of Great Britain, Methodist Church and United Reformed Church say that the response is misleading and only shows a carefully selected 'airbrushed' picture of UK welfare reform.
Methodist Church in Britain link to external website

Crucial role of food banks is a disgrace - Vincent Nichols
The basic safety net to guarantee that people are not left in hunger or destitution has been torn apart, said Cardinal-designate Vincent Nichols in an interview with The Telegraph.
Catholic Church in England and Wales link to external website

Recovery set to fail 1 in 5 workers - Living Wage Commission
The emerging economic recovery will have no effect on over 5 million workers unless employers pay a Living Wage, according to the first report of the Living Wage Commission, chaired by the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu.
Archbishop of York link to external website

Churches called to speak out on the need for more housing
Housing Justice is calling for Churches to speak out about the need for more housing, in particular a critical national shortage of affordable housing.
Housing Justice link to external website

January 2014

Theology for the local Church: Church for the poor - or of the poor?
11 March 2014 at The Contextual Theology Centre, London
Free event, but registration required.
The Contextual Theology Centre Spring programme (PDF) link to external website

Methodist Church to join Churches Mutual Credit Union
The Methodist Church in Britain has agreed to become a partner to the Churches Mutual Credit Union (CMCU), which has so far been endorsed by the Church of England and the Church of Scotland.
Methodist Council paper on CMCU (PDF) link to external website
Churches Mutual Credit Union link to external website

Former Chief Executive of FSA to chair C of E task group on credit unions  
A task group to develop the Church of England's on-going support for local credit unions will be chaired by Sir Hector Sants, former Chief Executive of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and Head of Compliance and regulatory affairs for Barclays Bank.
Church of England link to external website

Scottish environment minister's support for land reform welcomed
Rev Sally Foster Fulton, Convener of the Church of Scotland's Church and Society Council, has welcomed the comments by Scottish Environment Minister, Paul Wheelhouse, calling for a fairer distribution of land in Scotland. "I believe land reform would offer the opportunity for many more communities to benefit from renewable energy developments and help reduce fuel poverty", commented Sally Foster Fulton.
Church of Scotland link to external website

Fuel Poverty Puts Children's Health at Risk
Archbishop of York says it is 'a scandal' that more than three million families are likely to cut back on food so they can pay their energy bills this winter, according to a Children's Society survey.
Archbishop of York link to external website

Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) to act on Payday Loans
Following Church Action on Poverty's Autumn campaign on payday lenders, it has received a response from the FCA detailing new rules to be introduced for payday lenders and short-term loans.
Church Action on Poverty link to external website
    

December 2013

Hope and Hard Times - Advent message from the Archbishop of York
Austerity measures, attitudes to those on benefits and seeing potential where others see problems are addressed in the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu's, third Advent essay.
Archbishop of York link to external website

Welsh launch for Truth and Lies About Poverty
A version of the report Truth and Lies About Poverty has been released in Wales by the Church in Wales and Oxfam Cymru. The original report was produced by the Joint Public Issues team of the Baptist Union, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church. The new document has been translated into Welsh for the first time with a bilingual summary available.
The Church in Wales link to external website

November 2013

Joint Public Issues Team is exploring how it can support foodbanks
The Joint Public Issues Team of the Baptist Union, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church would like to hear from any individuals or churches that are involved with a foodbank in their local area and also if they are planning or running a campaign about food poverty.
Joint Public Issues Team link to external website  

Divisive nature of poverty threatens fabric of society says Catholic Church
Widening economic inequality corrodes the common good and further steps are needed both to curb unjustifiably high pay, and to promote a living wage for all in work, says the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
Catholic Church in England and Wales link to external website 

Two foodbanks in Cornwall have provided 14,000 meals in 3 months
Independent foodbanks set up by the Methodist and Anglican churches in Cornwall have seen rise in numbers of people who are in desperate need of food.
Methodist Church in Britain link to external website 

Church Action on Poverty's 2013 annual conference - 9 November
Walking the Breadline: Building a Good Society in post-austerity Britain
St Mark's Church, Broomfield Road, Sheffield S10 2SE
Church Action on Poverty link to external website

October 2013

Church Action on Poverty launches Charter to Stop Payday Loan Rip-off
Church Action on Poverty has got together with MPs of all parties, and several other consumer and anti-poverty agencies, to launch a Charter to Stop the Payday Loan Rip-off.
Church Action on Poverty link to external website 

Archbishop of Canterbury urges support for local credit unions
Speaking ahead of International Credit Union Day on 17 October 2013, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, says in his first Instagram video: "Let's begin to make a difference to how families can finance themselves in this country - join and support a credit union".
Archbishop of Canterbury website link to external website

Archbishop of Canterbury on payday lenders and financial culture
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, has welcomed new rules on payday lenders proposed by the Financial Conduct Authority. He has also called for a change in culture at financial institutions, during a meeting in the House of Lords.
Payday lenders: Archbishop welcomes new rules link to external website
Archbishop calls for ‘culture' change at financial institutions link to external website

Tackling Poverty Together conference - 13 November 2013
Conference organised by the Church Urban Fund (CUF) that aims to inspire and equip Christians and churches who are working with the poorest people to transform their lives and communities. Keynote speaker is Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury.
Booking (Eventbrite) link to external website

September 2013

Archbishop of Wales calls on parishioners to invest in credit unions
Invest in credit unions to help families in desperate financial need says the Archbishop of Wales.
Church in Wales link to external website 

August 2013

Poverty lookup tool re-launched by Church Urban Fund
Enter your postcode into this tool and see where your parish ranks, nationally within England or within the diocese, on ten different indicators including child poverty, pensioner poverty and life expectancy.
Church Urban Fund link to external website

July 2013

Church of England credit union to compete with pay day lenders
The Church of England plans to extend the credit union established for clergy and church staff to provide an alternative to pay day lenders.
Church of England link to external website

Methodists urged to fight poverty by their new Vice-President
Dr Daleep Mukraji, called on the Methodist people to 'speak out, take sides,' and 'stand up for justice' in his inaugural address to the Methodist Conference.
Methodist Church in Britain link to external website

Church of England invites Government to re-open Big Society talks
General Synod of the Church of England has approved a motion calling for a 'renewed settlement between the state, the churches and civil society', and for 'close attention to the impact of welfare cuts on the most vulnerable, and for support for those not in a position to support themselves'.
Church of England link to external website

Truth and Lies About Poverty - Bible study
Bible study materials linked to the Truth and Lies campaign from the Joint Public Issues team of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed churches, together with the Church of Scotland, are available to download.
Joint Public Issues team link to external website

June 2013

Archbishop of Canterbury calls for the banking industry 'to be good'
Speaking at St Paul's Cathedral, the Archbishop said that corporations, just as individuals, must ask 'Who is my neighbour?'
Archbishop of Canterbury website link to external website

Catholic Church taking up Pope Francis' call to be a 'Church for the poor'
In a conference organised by CSAN (Caritas Social Action Network) The Most Rev Vincent Nichols, Archbishop of Westminster, is due to set out the Catholic Church in England and Wales' response to rising levels of domestic poverty. More

Church Urban Fund report: the human cost of welfare reform
This study looks at the broader impact that reforms are having on people's everyday lives and considers how churches can best support those affected. 
Church Urban Fund link to external website

Church leaders call on Government to apologise for misrepresenting poor
An alliance of churches representing Christians from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland has written to the Prime Minister asking for an apology on behalf of the Government for misrepresenting the poor. 
Methodist Church in Britain link to external website

Meeting of theologians in Geneva probed economic alternatives
Nine theologians met in Geneva 31 May and 1 June to explore critical theological tools and insights supportive of new economic arrangements.
World Council of Churches link to external website

May 2013

Call for Parliamentary Inquiry as 500,000 in UK reliant on food aid
A hard-hitting report from Church Action on Poverty and Oxfam warns of Britain's ‘hidden hungry' and, with the backing of the Trussell Trust, calls for an urgent Parliamentary Inquiry.
CAP News release
Church Action on Poverty link to external website  

Iona Community tackles perceived stigma of poverty
In Europe there is a discernible trend to portray benefits systems as burden rather than a safety net, says Convener of Iona Community Board.
Church of Scotland link to external website

April 2013

Use of emergency food banks more than doubled in Scotland in last year
The Trussell Trust says 14,318 people were helped during 2012 to 2013, an increase of 5,726 over the previous year.
Church of Scotland link to external website

Church Urban Fund guide to UK welfare reforms 2010-2017
A short guide to the radical reform of the UK welfare system undertaken by the coalition government since 2010. Many changes come into effect in April 2013.
Church Urban Fund link to external website

Churches ‘deeply disappointed' at Osborne's defence of benefit cuts
Four British churches have described Chancellor George Osborne's defence of the Government's benefit cuts as ‘deeply disappointing.
United Reformed Church link to external website

March 2013

Benefit changes make April fools of us all, say Churches
Cuts to benefits are unjust and most vulnerable will pay a disproportionate price in the Government's austerity measures say Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church, the United Reformed Church and the Church of Scotland.
Methodist Church in Britain link to external website  

Help fight UK food poverty with the 'Help Crack UK Hunger' Easter Appeal
The Trussell Trust is asking people to donate the cost of an Easter egg to help food banks provide emergency food to people in crisis in the UK.
The Trussell Trust link to external website

Church of Scotland welcomes OFT's final report on payday lenders
The Church of Scotland has welcomed the findings of the Office of Fair Trading's compliance review into payday lenders and the proposal to refer the sector to the Competition Commission.
Church of Scotland link to external website

Lies about poverty: shattering the myths
This report, published by the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Church of Scotland, Methodist and United Reformed Churches confronts the most common myths told about people who are in poverty or in receipt of benefits, and highlights some of the most abused statistics.
Methodist Church link to external website

February 2013

New child poverty measure ‘fatally flawed', say churches
Four British Churches have criticised the Government's proposals for a new way of measuring child poverty in the UK.
Methodist Church link to external website

Graph showing arrow going downwards
Good Society project
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