News reports and social media feeds can often make it feel like the UK is more divided than ever. The voices of those who spread hate and seek to divide communities can seem loud, but they ignore the millions of actions which spread hope and kindness every day, and show what is possible when we come …
Child poverty strategy “a welcome step in the right direction”, say faith leaders
Senior faith leaders have issued a joint response to the government’s recently published Child Poverty Strategy. In it, they “celebrate” the most significant policy change in the strategy, the removal of the two-child limit on benefits, which is set to directly lift 450,000 children out of poverty …
What are the government’s asylum reform proposals?
On 17 November 2025, the government announced major proposed changes to UK asylum policy. Drawing on similar policies implemented in Denmark, the stated aim is to "restore order and control to our borders" and deter people from seeking asylum in the UK. In response, leaders from the Baptist, …
Response to asylum reforms
Leaders of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches have issued the following statement in response to the government’s announcements this week on proposed changes to its asylum and returns policy: “Let us keep loving our neighbours. Public debate around migration has increasingly …
Child poverty: faith leaders call for decisive action
38 senior faith leaders from the five major faith groups represented in the UK – including representatives of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches – have written to the Prime Minister and Chancellor, urging them to “act now to secure the futures of millions of children.” The letter …
Child poverty: tell your MP it’s time for action
Levels of child poverty in the UK are rising, and set to continue rising. 4.5 million children are currently growing up without access to the essentials of life. But we believe that should and can change. “The impact of growing up in poverty is huge. It affected me physically, mentally and …
Hong Kong BNO visa holders face rule changes
In recent years, thousands of Hongkongers have made the UK their home under the British National (Overseas) visa scheme, launched in 2021. Many have found welcome, friendship, and belonging within our church communities. However, proposals in the recent Immigration White Paper may affect …
Reach out in peace: Positive preparation for times of unrest
When tensions rise in communities, churches can be agents of peace, compassion, sanctuary, solidarity and support. Below we suggest five ways that church leaders can prepare positively – to be ready to lead, respond and care well at times of unrest. It is nearly a year since violent disorder …
Faith leaders call for bold action on child poverty
Senior Faith leaders from across the country are joining forces today (Sunday 23 March 2025) in an urgent call for the government to be ‘bold and ambitious’ in its forthcoming Child Poverty Strategy. The call comes in an open letter to the co-chairs of the Ministerial Child Poverty Taskforce, …
Response to international development budget cut
Baptist, Methodist, Church of Scotland and United Reformed Church leaders have responded to the Prime Minister’s announcement concerning further cuts to the international development budget: We deeply lament the government’s stated intention to make further cuts to the UK’s international …