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.
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.
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.’
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.
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.
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’.
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.
