Churches can and are working together to help those who are struggling with debt, unemployment and financial distress.
As we see unemployment rising and more people unable to pay basic bills, churches can come together to show the love and mercy of God by providing advice and skills. Working with an agency like Christians Against Poverty can bring much needed expertise to churches looking to work together in this way.
Christians Against Poverty (CAP)
Christians Against Poverty (CAP) – one of CTE’s Bodies in Association – are on a mission to release thousands of families from grinding poverty through award-winning debt counselling and community groups. They equip and empower local churches to reach out on their doorsteps, bringing hope to tens of thousands of people every year.
Highworth Churches Together (URC, Methodist, Anglican and independent), near Swindon, run a Christians Against Poverty (CAP) Debt Centre, hold Life Skills and CAP Money courses and are about to open up a Job Club. Read more of their story.
Church Action on Poverty
Another of our Bodies in Association is Church Action on Poverty. Their projects are hugely diverse but have one thing in common: they all tackle the root causes of poverty – ‘tackling unjust Government policies, amplifying the voices of people who have been marginalised, challenging harmful business practices, holding the church to account.’
Church Action on Poverty aims to make UK society more just and compassionate, not just now but for the long term. The believe it is right and vital that society helps those who are in great need now, but that alone is not enough. Their projects get to the underlying causes. They campaign for change, amplify the voices of people who have experience of poverty, and work directly alongside communities.