The Trussell Trust, with Christians on the Left, hosted a breakfast meeting at this year's Labour Party Conference to discuss the church's role in public service delivery. This was a timely discussion given the ever-expanding range of social justice projects the church is providing. The panel speakers, however, delved into the deeper political and policy questions this situation leads us to face and how Christians should be engaged in partnership with others.
Steve Chalke shared about the work of the Oasis Foundation to equip churches on this journey of public service, and raised two challenges. The first was to a future Labour Government: how will they communicate with churches in a constructive rather than patronising manner? The second addressed the church: how will it improve its theology of inclusion, a prerequisite for any community service?
Speaking as vice chair of Christians on the Left, I shared how many churches involved in social action have uncovered layers of deep injustice which need to be addressed. Without this, their endeavours run the risk of simply bandaging the wounds of the oppressed rather than, to quote Bonhoeffer, putting a spoke in the wheel of oppression. I encouraged those present to engage with political structures to find the policy expressions which will fight injustice. This is an important part of our work in Christians on the Left, acting as a bridge between church social action and politics, and in partnership with God to redeem and reconcile all creation
Rev Canon Dr Ellen Louden, Liverpool diocesan director of social justice and Canon Chancellor, spoke of her new role in mobilising churches to get more involved with social justice. She shared the thought provoking work of the Merseyside region in supporting those displaced, and challenged the church to do more to open up vital public space for the community.
Chris Mould, of the Trussell Trust, closed the session by saying that out of small things comes great Kingdom output, when the call of God is heeded. The work of the Trussell trust has seen more than 300 food banks provide over a million emergency supplies of food each year, and he said it was a privilege to see how churches can pool their resources to help communities thrive.
It was both an uplifting and challenging session, where audience members left encouraged but motivated to seek social justice within the political structures they partner and converse with.
Shona Elliot is vice chair of Christians on the Left, the organisation for Christians in the Labour Party. It counts MPs, peers, and councillors amongst its members.
