Part 213. On the march (and about time).

The Church is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.  It must be the guide and critic of the state, and never its tool.

Martin Luther King Jnr 

The Christian in the modern world must be politically involved, at least to the extent of being concerned about political issues as they impinge on human freedom, justice, equality, economic and social development, and above all, on the condition of the poor.

Fr John F Carroll, SJ  

Last year I posted on two damning reports on Poverty and Destitution in the UK. (See posts 173 & 187)

Destitution in the UK 2023. 

Published by Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Two Nations: the State of Poverty in the UK.

Published by the Centre for Social Justice 

I doubted if the churches would enter the political fray and campaign for systemic change. I am delighted to note that senior leaders of churches and Christian charities have come together to publish the statement below.  The sentiment is excellent. We await details of the programmes of 'practical action and....

courageous campaigning'.

The Statement (See also post 210)

We believe that poverty is a scandal, the root causes of which have been neglected by our political leaders in the UK Parliament for too long. As this new year begins, the cost of living scandal is clearly not over for the poorest people in the UK. Around the world, poverty holds too many individuals and communities back from fulfilling their potential.

But we know that poverty is not inevitable – it’s a consequence of political choices and priorities. With a General Election on the horizon, we call on our political leaders to make tackling poverty a priority. In line with our existing commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, this should include setting out clear plans to eradicate extreme poverty and reduce overall poverty by at least half, in both the UK and globally by 2030. 

Whilst our work to tackle poverty in the UK and around the world takes different forms, we are united in our belief that the human cost of failing to take action now is too big and too damaging to ignore. This year must mark the beginning of the end for poverty. 

Inspired by our faith, we believe in a future where everyone has an equal share in the world’s resources. Where everyone has enough to eat. Where all of us are able to wake up in the morning with hope, opportunities and options for living a fulfilling life. 

This year, our Churches and Christian charities are committed to putting poverty on the agenda through practical action, prophetic words and courageous campaigning. Our elected politicians need to take responsibility too.  Now is the time for action.