'Be a Change Agent', says Faithworks

Faithworks has urged Christians to become 'change agents' in their local communities following the Government's praise of faith groups in its Third Sector Review this week.

The Christian charity welcomed the Government's affirmation that faith groups were "agents of change" playing vital roles in strengthening their communities.

"Research on the contribution of faith groups has found that they can contribute to communities by acting as a catalyst for the formation of networks, as welfare service providers, as participants in partnership structures and as a basis for a community coming together around a particular issue," read the Government review.

Faithworks also said it was encouraged by the Government's "clear commitment" to maximising the distinctive contribution that faith groups make in building a better world.

The charity urged churches to build on their contribution, however, saying that there was a "pressing need" for the church to be "better equipped, envisioned and resourced to rise to the challenges and opportunities".

The theme of change agents will be addressed at this year's Faithworks conference. From 1 to 3 November, Christians will come together for 'Change Agents: Sustaining Transformation' to develop "creative, courageous and professional" approaches to challenges within their local communities.

Speakers at the conference in London include the Rt Rev James Jones, Bishop of Liverpool, Rev Joel Edwards, leader of the Evangelical Alliance, Steve Chalke MBE, founder of Oasis and the Faithworks Movement, and Fran Beckett OBE, CEO of the Church Urban Fund.

Church Urban Fund and the Shaftesbury Society will also lead practical seminars on aspects of social enterprise and effective community development.

Churches and projects that are already successfully living out the mandate to be change agents will be showcased during the conference, including Open Door Tyneside, the only agency working with failed asylum seekers in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and One25, a service run by a consortium of churches for prostitutes in the St Paul's area of Bristol.

Malcolm Duncan, Leader of the Faithworks Movement, said the conference provided a real and timely opportunity for churches to be resourced in demonstrating their contribution to building community.

"It is hugely encouraging to see government's growing recognition of the role that faith groups play in building our communities, and their ongoing commitment to strengthen their support of that work," he said.

"Every day, churches and Christian projects are positively working out their contribution to civil society in 21st century Britain. They are the 'ordinary heroes'.

"While many are debating whether or not God is on the agenda, we are confident that He is not only on the agenda but that He is at the heart of it, bringing social and spiritual transformation through the sacrificial, practical love demonstrated by his change agents on the ground," he said.

Other speakers include Shane Claiborne, founder of the Simple Way Community in Philadelphia, Dr Patrick Dixon, a successful entrepreneur and leading futurologist, Andy Flannagan, former head of worship with Youth For Christ and social activist, and Joy Madeiros, Faithworks Public Policy Director.