Christian Aid, an international development agency, has collaborated with various partner organizations, including the Baptist Union, Methodist Church, United Reformed Church, Church Action on Poverty, and the Trussell Trust, as part of the Act on Poverty initiative.
Almost 100 churches and individuals have signed up already to put their faith into action in the run-up to a General Election.
And the Rt Revd Paul Butler is supporting the project.
He said: “Poverty is not a new problem and its effects are widespread, impacting people’s lives and futures. We see it in our neighbourhoods and we see it in vulnerable communities around the world.
“But there is hope. Loving our neighbours means living out our faith locally and on a worldwide scale. This course offers many resources we can use to really think about how we can speak out and engage decision makers to help make a difference.”
Over six weeks, those taking part will find out more about the reality of poverty both in their communities and around the world, through activities designed to inspire them to take action such as engaging with MPs.
The series of resource packs contains guidance for short Bible studies; recordings of conversations with activists; questions and prompts for group discussions; videos about taking practical action; and a guide to steps churches can take to advocate for change.
Christian Aid Campaigns and Activism Officer Katrine Musgrave explained: “We have hope for a world where there is justice for all and we believe our relationships and communities can be restored and transformed.
“With a General Election approaching, we have an opportunity to unite our churches with a compelling message for our next Government: it is time to act on poverty.
“We hope churches around the country will sign up to Act on Poverty and we look forward to seeing the results of their actions.”
Chief Executive of Christian Aid, Patrick Watt said: “Working in partnership is a core principle of Christian Aid and this course demonstrates the power of people coming together in faith.
“Every prayer, every gift, every action helps transform lives and I look forward to seeing church communities taking part in this initiative and putting into practice what they have discovered to tackle the injustice of poverty and its effects, both locally and globally.”
