I promote the use of credit unions having assisted in the creation of one, campaigned for the formation of another and been a member of both. Credit unions are co-operatives, depositors and clients are its' members each with one vote regardless of amounts deposited or borrowed.
Credit unions are the antidote to loan sharks, pay day loan lenders and doorstep lenders. They provide advice on money management. They could play a major role in tackling poverty and deprivation. Faith organisations tackling issues of poverty and destitution should work collaboratively with credit unions. How many do? How many churches publicise the credit union(s) in their area, how many hold meetings with credit unions or offer their facilities for use by a credit union? In my experience not many.
Faith groups are involved heavily in the provision of foodbanks. Many function by inviting clients to visit, collect food and leave. There is little interaction between donor and receiver. My suggestion is for foodbanks to be run as co-operatives and thus help the process of breaking down the us-and-them syndrome.
Faith groups engaged in social action should do so as expressions of love, not motivated by an agenda to evangelise. Social action by faith and secular organisations is indicative of love and kindness in practical application. For Christian faith groups it requires no theological justification beyond love your neighbour. It is an end in itself, not a means to an end.
